3003 Aluminum Pipes & Tubes Supplier — Al-Mn Alloy Pipe for HVAC, Heat Exchangers & General Fabrication
HXM Aluminum manufactures and supplies 3003 aluminum pipes and tubes in tempers O, H12, H14, H16, H18, H22, H24, H26, H28, H112, and F, conforming to ASTM B210, ASTM B219, and UNS A93003 standards. 3003 is a non-heat-treatable Al-Mn alloy with approximately 1.0-1.5% manganese, offering excellent corrosion resistance, superior formability, and moderate strength — widely used for HVAC tubing, heat exchanger tubes, automotive radiator tubes, pressure vessels, and general fabrication.
ASTM B210 UNS A93003 EN AW-3003 Seamless & Welded Mill Test Certificate
To request a quotation, please provide: alloy, temper, OD, wall thickness, length, pipe type (seamless/welded/extruded), surface finish, application, order quantity, and destination port.
Quick Specifications — 3003 Aluminum Pipe
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Alloy | 3003 (Al-Mn) |
| Temper | O, H12, H14, H16, H18, H22, H24, H26, H28, H112, F |
| OD (Outer Diameter) | 6 mm – 300 mm |
| Wall Thickness | 0.5 mm – 15 mm |
| Length | Up to 6,000 mm (custom cutting available) |
| Shape | Round, Square, Rectangular |
| Pipe Type | Seamless, Welded, Extruded, Drawn |
| Standards | ASTM B210, ASTM B219, AMS 4065, AMS 4067 |
| Surface Finish | Mill Finish, Anodized, Powder Coated, Polished |
| Delivery Time | 7–20 days |
| MOQ | 500 kg (negotiable) |
| Certification | Mill Test Certificate (EN 10204 3.1), ISO 9001 |
Note: 3003 aluminum is a non-heat-treatable alloy. T-series tempers (T4, T6, T651) are not applicable to this alloy. Strength is achieved through cold working (strain hardening).
Available 3003 Aluminum Pipe Tempers
3003 aluminum is a non-heat-treatable alloy — it cannot be strengthened by heat treatment (T4, T6, T651 are not applicable). Instead, mechanical properties are achieved through cold working (strain hardening), designated by the H-series tempers. The annealed condition is designated as O temper.
| Temper | Designation | Description |
|---|---|---|
| O | Annealed | Fully soft, maximum formability and ductility |
| H12 | 1/4 Hard | Light cold work, good formability with slight strength gain |
| H14 | 1/2 Hard | Most common — balanced strength and formability |
| H16 | 3/4 Hard | Higher strength, moderate formability |
| H18 | Full Hard | Maximum strength from cold working, limited formability |
| H22 | 1/4 Hard (stabilized) | Same strength as H12 with improved stability |
| H24 | 1/2 Hard (stabilized) | Same strength as H14, stabilized for low-temperature service |
| H26 | 3/4 Hard (stabilized) | Same strength as H16, stabilized |
| H28 | Full Hard (stabilized) | Same strength as H18, stabilized |
| H112 | As-extruded | Slightly strain-hardened from extrusion process |
| F | As-fabricated | No special control over mechanical properties |
3003 Aluminum Pipe Chemical Composition
The table below shows the chemical composition of 3003 aluminum pipes per ASTM B210 and UNS A93003. The manganese content (1.0–1.5%) provides excellent corrosion resistance and enhances mechanical strength beyond that of pure aluminum (1xxx series).
| Element | Al | Mn | Cu | Si | Fe | Zn | Others (each) | Others (total) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Composition (%) | Balance | 1.0–1.5 | 0.05–0.20 | ≤0.60 | ≤0.70 | ≤0.10 | ≤0.05 | ≤0.15 |
Equivalent designations: EN AW-3003 (Europe), UNS A93003 (USA), WNr 3.0517 (Germany), AlMn1Cu (DIN), AlMn1Cu (ISO).
Mechanical Properties by Temper
The mechanical properties of 3003 aluminum pipes vary significantly with temper. Since 3003 is a non-heat-treatable alloy, strength is developed through cold working (strain hardening). The table below provides typical mechanical properties for common tempers.
| Temper | UTS (MPa) | YS (MPa) | Elongation (%) | Hardness (HB) | Characteristics |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| O | 95–135 | 35–75 | ~30 | 28–35 | Maximum formability |
| H12 | 110–155 | 80–120 | ~12 | 35–45 | Light hardening |
| H14 | 140–180 | 120–145 | ~10 | 40–50 | Most common for pipes |
| H16 | 165–205 | 145–175 | ~8 | 47–55 | Higher strength |
| H18 | 185–225 | 165–195 | ~6 | 50–60 | Max cold-worked strength |
| H22 | 130–170 | 100–140 | ~13 | 38–45 | Stabilized 1/4 hard |
| H24 | 150–190 | 120–155 | ~11 | 42–50 | Stabilized 1/2 hard |
| H26 | 170–210 | 145–175 | ~9 | 48–55 | Stabilized 3/4 hard |
| H28 | 185–225 | 165–195 | ~7 | 50–60 | Stabilized full hard |
| H112 | 105–155 | 60–100 | ~20 | 30–40 | As-extruded |
| F | 95–135 | 35–75 | ~25 | 28–35 | As-fabricated |
Note: Values are typical ranges. Actual properties may vary based on manufacturing method (seamless vs. welded vs. extruded), wall thickness, and testing conditions. UTS = Ultimate Tensile Strength, YS = Yield Strength, HB = Brinell Hardness.
Available Sizes and Pipe Specifications
HXM Aluminum produces 3003 aluminum pipes and tubes in a comprehensive range of sizes, shapes, and manufacturing methods. Our production capabilities cover seamless, welded, extruded, and drawn tubes to meet diverse industrial requirements.
| Category | Range | Details |
|---|---|---|
| OD (Round) | 6 mm – 300 mm | Standard and custom diameters available |
| Wall Thickness | 0.5 mm – 15 mm | Thin-wall to thick-wall configurations |
| Length | Up to 6,000 mm | Custom cutting to specified lengths |
| Square Tube | 10 mm – 200 mm | Side dimension range |
| Rectangular Tube | 10×20 mm – 200×300 mm | Custom cross-sections |
| Seamless Pipe | OD 6 – 250 mm | Extruded or drawn, no weld seam |
| Welded Pipe | OD 10 – 300 mm | Roll-formed and longitudinally welded |
| Tolerance | ASTM B210/B219 | Standard dimensional tolerances |
Special sizes, non-standard dimensions, and tight tolerances are available upon request. Please contact our engineering team for custom specifications.
Surface Finishes and Processing Options
3003 aluminum pipes are available with various surface finishes to meet aesthetic, functional, and environmental requirements. The choice of surface treatment affects corrosion resistance, appearance, and durability.
| Finish | Description | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Mill Finish | Standard manufacturing surface, natural aluminum color | General industrial applications |
| Anodizing | Electrochemical oxide layer, 5-25 μm thickness | Architectural, decorative, corrosion-critical |
| Powder Coating | Electrostatically applied, cured at 180–200°C | Color matching, UV resistance, durability |
| Polishing | Mechanical buffing to mirror or satin finish | Decorative, food-grade, sanitary |
| Brushed Finish | Unidirectional satin surface texture | Architectural, appliance, aesthetic |
| Chemical Conversion | Chromate or non-chromate coating | Paint adhesion base, corrosion protection |
| Electropolishing | Electrochemical removal of surface material | Pharmaceutical, food, ultra-clean |
Additional processing services: Cutting to length, bending, flaring, expanding, beveling, threading, CNC machining, and welding (TIG/MIG/friction).
Key Features of 3003 Aluminum Pipes
Excellent Corrosion Resistance
The Mn content enhances resistance to atmospheric, freshwater, and mild chemical corrosion, making 3003 pipes ideal for fluid transport and outdoor exposure.
Superior Formability
In O and H12 tempers, 3003 pipes can be easily bent, flared, expanded, and formed — ideal for complex HVAC and heat exchanger fabrication.
Excellent Weldability
3003 can be readily welded using TIG, MIG, resistance welding, and brazing — essential for heat exchanger and radiator tube assemblies.
Good Thermal Conductivity
Thermal conductivity of ~190 W/m·K enables efficient heat transfer in heat exchanger and radiator applications.
Non-Heat-Treatable
Strength is achieved through cold working (strain hardening), not heat treatment — consistent and predictable properties.
100% Recyclable
3003 aluminum is fully recyclable with no loss of properties, reducing environmental impact and lifecycle cost.
Good Brazing Characteristics
Excellent brazing performance makes 3003 the standard choice for brazed heat exchanger tube assemblies.
Cost-Effective
Lower cost than 5xxx and 6xxx series alloys while providing sufficient strength for most non-structural applications.
Industrial Applications of 3003 Aluminum Pipes
HVAC & Refrigeration
Air conditioning tubes, refrigeration lines, condenser and evaporator tubes. 3003 is the standard alloy for brazed HVAC heat exchanger assemblies.
Heat Exchangers & Radiators
Automotive radiator tubes, oil cooler tubes, intercooler tubes. Excellent thermal conductivity and brazing capability.
Automotive Industry
Radiator tubes, heater cores, AC lines, fuel lines. 3003 provides weight savings and corrosion resistance for automotive thermal management.
Pressure Vessels
Low-pressure tanks, air receivers, and storage vessels where moderate strength and good corrosion resistance are required.
Food & Beverage
Food processing equipment, dairy tubing, brewing lines. 3003 is non-toxic and does not taint food products.
Chemical Processing
Piping for mild chemicals, process lines, and equipment where stainless steel is not required but corrosion resistance is needed.
General Fabrication
Handrails, structural tubing, furniture frames, decorative tubing, and general-purpose piping where moderate strength suffices.
Marine & Water Systems
Freshwater piping, marine cooling lines, and desalination plant tubing where good resistance to water corrosion is essential.
Recommended Temper by Application
Selecting the correct temper is critical for optimal performance. The table below provides general guidance based on typical industrial applications.
| Application | Recommended Temper | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Brazed heat exchanger tubes | O | Maximum formability for tube expansion and brazing |
| Automotive radiator tubes | O / H14 | O for brazed assemblies; H14 for mechanical strength |
| HVAC refrigeration lines | H14 | Good balance of strength and bendability |
| Bent tube assemblies | O / H12 | Sufficient ductility for tight-radius bending |
| Pressure piping | H14 / H16 | Higher strength for pressure containment |
| Structural tubing | H16 / H18 | Maximum strength for load-bearing |
| Extruded structural pipe | H112 | As-extruded condition for structural profiles |
| Food & beverage tubing | O / H14 | O for forming; H14 for standard service |
| Decorative / architectural | H14 / H24 | Good surface finish with adequate strength |
3003 vs 5052 Aluminum Pipe
| Property | 3003 | 5052 |
|---|---|---|
| Alloy System | Al-Mn | Al-Mg |
| Heat Treatable | No | No |
| UTS (H14, MPa) | 140–180 | 230–290 |
| Corrosion Resistance | Good | Excellent (especially marine) |
| Formability | Excellent | Very Good |
| Weldability | Excellent | Good |
| Brazing | Excellent | Poor |
| Cost | Lower | Higher |
| Best For | HVAC, heat exchangers, food equipment | Marine, fuel tanks, high-stress |
Summary: Choose 3003 for HVAC, heat exchanger, and general applications requiring excellent formability and brazing. Choose 5052 when higher strength or marine-grade corrosion resistance is needed.
3003 vs 3004 Aluminum Pipe
| Property | 3003 | 3004 |
|---|---|---|
| Alloy System | Al-Mn (Mn 1.0-1.5%) | Al-Mn-Mg (Mn 1.0-1.5%, Mg 0.8-1.3%) |
| UTS (H14, MPa) | 140–180 | 180–220 |
| YS (H14, MPa) | 120–145 | 145–175 |
| Elongation (%) | ~10 | ~8 |
| Corrosion Resistance | Good | Very Good |
| Formability | Excellent | Very Good |
| Cost | Lower | Slightly Higher |
| Best For | HVAC, heat exchangers, food equipment | Beverage cans, higher-strength piping |
Summary: 3003 is ideal for HVAC and heat exchanger tubing where formability and brazing are key. 3004 adds magnesium for higher strength and is used in can stock and higher-pressure applications.
Quality Inspection and Certification
Every batch of 3003 aluminum pipes undergoes rigorous quality inspection at HXM Aluminum to ensure compliance with international standards and customer specifications.
| Inspection Item | Method | Standard |
|---|---|---|
| Chemical Composition | Spectrometer (OES) | ASTM B210 / UNS A93003 |
| Mechanical Properties | Tensile test, hardness test | ASTM B557 |
| Dimensional Tolerances | Caliper, micrometer, CMM | ASTM B210 / B219 |
| Surface Quality | Visual inspection | No cracks, scratches, dents |
| Pressure Test (if required) | Hydrostatic or pneumatic | Customer specification |
| Non-Destructive Test | Ultrasonic, eddy current | ASTM E213 / E243 |
| Weld Seam (welded pipe) | Visual + radiographic | ASME Section V |
| Certification | Mill Test Certificate | EN 10204 3.1 / 3.2 |
Third-party inspection (SGS, BV, TUV) is available upon request. All pipes are traceable from raw material to finished product through our quality management system.
Export Packaging
HXM Aluminum provides professional export packaging designed to protect 3003 aluminum pipes during long-distance ocean and air freight transportation. Our packaging complies with international shipping standards and can be customized to customer requirements.
| Packaging Step | Details |
|---|---|
| 1. Internal Protection | Plastic caps on pipe ends, desiccant bags inside |
| 2. Wrapping | Anti-corrosion VCI paper + plastic film wrap |
| 3. Bundling | Steel straps at regular intervals, protective edge protectors |
| 4. Crating | Export-grade wooden crates (ISPM-15 treated) or steel pallets |
| 5. Labeling | Heat, alloy, temper, size, quantity, batch number, origin |
| 6. Container Loading | Professional loading with securing to prevent movement |
Why Global Buyers Choose HXM Aluminum
Direct Factory Pricing
As a manufacturer, HXM offers competitive ex-works and FOB pricing with no trading margins. Volume discounts available for large orders.
Guaranteed Quality (ISO 9001)
Every shipment includes a Mill Test Certificate (EN 10204 3.1). ISO 9001-certified quality management system covers all production stages.
Reliable Supply Chain
Stable raw material sources, 7-20 day delivery, and flexible MOQ. We maintain strategic stock of common sizes for fast dispatch.
Expert Technical Support
Our engineering team provides temper selection guidance, dimension calculation, and application-specific recommendations at no additional cost.
Global Export Experience
Shipping to 60+ countries with expertise in customs documentation, ISPM-15 packaging, and international logistics coordination.
Custom Manufacturing
Custom OD, wall thickness, length, shape, temper, and surface finish. Special tolerances and non-standard dimensions available.
Related Aluminum Tube & Pipe Products
HXM Aluminum supplies a comprehensive range of aluminum tubes and pipes for diverse industrial applications:
3003 Aluminum Pipes & Tubes — Frequently Asked Questions
Below are answers to the most common questions about 3003 aluminum pipes and tubes. Click each question to expand the answer.
What is 3003 aluminum pipe?
3003 aluminum pipe is a non-heat-treatable Al-Mn alloy pipe containing 1.0-1.5% manganese. It offers good corrosion resistance, excellent formability, and moderate strength, conforming to ASTM B210. It is the most widely used aluminum alloy for HVAC tubing, heat exchanger tubes, and general-purpose piping where moderate strength and superior workability are required.
What is the most commonly used temper for 3003 aluminum pipes?
H14 is the most common temper for 3003 aluminum pipes, offering a good balance of strength (UTS ~150 MPa) and formability. For brazed heat exchanger applications, O temper (annealed) is preferred because it provides maximum ductility for tube expansion and brazing operations.
Is 3003 aluminum pipe heat-treatable?
No. 3003 aluminum is a non-heat-treatable alloy. T-series tempers (T4, T6, T651) are NOT applicable to 3003. Strength is achieved through cold working (strain hardening), designated by H-series tempers (H12, H14, H16, H18, etc.). If you need a heat-treatable alloy with higher strength, consider 6061 or 6063 aluminum tubes.
What is the difference between 3003-H14 and 3003-H24 aluminum pipes?
Both have similar mechanical properties (UTS ~150 MPa), but H14 is strain-hardened only, while H24 is strain-hardened and then partially annealed (stabilized). H24 offers better dimensional stability for applications involving temperature changes and is less prone to age-softening. For most piping applications, both can be used interchangeably.
Can 3003 aluminum pipes be welded?
Yes. 3003 has excellent weldability using GTAW (TIG), GMAW (MIG), resistance welding, and brazing. In fact, 3003 is one of the best aluminum alloys for brazing, which is why it is the standard choice for brazed automotive radiator and HVAC heat exchanger tube assemblies. Gas welding and friction stir welding are also suitable.
What sizes and shapes are available for 3003 aluminum pipes?
HXM Aluminum offers 3003 pipes in OD 6-300mm with wall thickness 0.5-15mm and lengths up to 6,000mm. Available shapes include round, square, and rectangular. Manufacturing methods include seamless (extruded/drawn), welded (longitudinally welded), and extruded. Custom sizes and non-standard dimensions are available upon request.
What is the difference between 3003 and 5052 aluminum pipes?
3003 is an Al-Mn alloy with moderate strength (UTS ~150 MPa) and lower cost, ideal for HVAC, heat exchangers, and food equipment. 5052 is an Al-Mg alloy with higher strength (UTS ~260 MPa) and superior corrosion resistance, especially in marine environments. 3003 has better brazing capability, while 5052 is preferred for higher-stress and marine applications.
What is the difference between 3003 and 6061 aluminum pipes?
3003 is a non-heat-treatable Al-Mn alloy with moderate strength (UTS ~150 MPa). 6061 is a heat-treatable Al-Mg-Si alloy with much higher strength (UTS ~290 MPa in T6). 3003 is better for HVAC and heat exchangers due to its formability and brazing capability. 6061 is preferred for structural and high-strength applications. 3003 is lower in cost.
What standards apply to 3003 aluminum pipes?
Common standards include ASTM B210 (Aluminum and Aluminum-Alloy Drawn Seamless Tubes), ASTM B219 (Aluminum and Aluminum-Alloy Welded Tubes), AMS 4065, and AMS 4067. Equivalent designations: EN AW-3003 (Europe), UNS A93003 (USA), WNr 3.0517 (Germany), AlMn1Cu (DIN/ISO).
Can HXM Aluminum provide custom-cut pipes and special processing?
Yes. We provide precision cutting to specified lengths, bending, flaring, expanding, beveling, threading, and CNC machining. Custom OD, wall thickness, temper, and surface finishes are available. We also offer special tolerances and non-standard cross-sections. Please specify your requirements when requesting a quotation.
What information is required to request a quotation?
Please provide: (1) Alloy and temper, (2) OD (outer diameter), (3) Wall thickness, (4) Length, (5) Shape (round/square/rectangular), (6) Pipe type (seamless/welded/extruded), (7) Surface finish, (8) Application, (9) Total quantity, (10) Destination port. Our team will provide a detailed quotation within 24 hours.
Is a Mill Test Certificate available for 3003 aluminum pipes?
Yes. A Mill Test Certificate (EN 10204 3.1) is provided with each shipment, reporting chemical composition, mechanical properties, and dimensional inspection results. EN 10204 3.2 certification with third-party endorsement (SGS, BV, TUV) is also available upon request.
Ready to Source 3003 Aluminum Pipes for Your Project?
Contact HXM Aluminum today for competitive pricing, technical consultation, and fast delivery. Our engineering team is ready to help you select the optimal temper, size, and surface finish for your application.
