3003 and 3004 are 3xxx-series aluminum-manganese alloys. The 1.0 – 1.5% manganese in 3003 makes it roughly 20% stronger than 1100 aluminum while keeping good formability; 3004 adds 0.8 – 1.3% magnesium for about 70% higher strength again.
In foil form these alloys are chosen when a part must hold its shape: rigid and smoothwall food containers, air-conditioner and heat-exchanger fin stock (bare or hydrophilic coated), and 3003-H18/H19 honeycomb core for panels and filters.
Table of Contents
- Chemical Composition
- 3003 / 3004 Foil Specifications
- Physical & Mechanical Properties
- Applications of 3003 / 3004 Aluminum Foil
- 3003 vs 3004 vs 8011 Foil
- 3003 Foil Weight & Yield Chart
- 3003/3004 Aluminium Foil Export Markets
- 3003/3004 Standards & Equivalent Grades
- 3003/3004 Aluminum Foil Supply & Packing
- Frequently Asked Questions
Chemical Composition
| Element | 3003 | 3004 |
|---|---|---|
| Manganese (Mn) | 1.0 – 1.5 | 1.0 – 1.5 |
| Magnesium (Mg) | — | 0.8 – 1.3 |
| Copper (Cu) | 0.05 – 0.20 | ≤ 0.25 |
| Iron (Fe) | ≤ 0.7 | ≤ 0.7 |
| Silicon (Si) | ≤ 0.6 | ≤ 0.30 |
| Zinc (Zn) | ≤ 0.10 | ≤ 0.25 |
| Others (each / total) | ≤ 0.05 / 0.15 | ≤ 0.05 / 0.15 |
| Aluminum (Al) | Remainder | Remainder |
3003 / 3004 Foil Specifications
| Application | Thickness (mm) | Width (mm) | Temper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Food containers (wrinkle-wall) | 0.03 – 0.10 | 200 – 1200 | O, H22, H24 |
| Smoothwall / rigid containers | 0.08 – 0.20 | 200 – 1200 | H22, H24 |
| AC fin stock (bare / hydrophilic) | 0.08 – 0.20 | 100 – 1400 | O, H22, H24, H26 |
| Honeycomb core foil | 0.03 – 0.10 | 200 – 1400 | H18, H19 |
| Lids and closures | 0.10 – 0.20 | 200 – 1400 | H14, H16, H18 |
Standard supply range. Widths are slit to order; other sizes and tempers on request.
Physical & Mechanical Properties
| Property | 3003 | 3004 |
|---|---|---|
| Density | 2.73 g/cm³ | 2.72 g/cm³ |
| Melting range | 643 – 654 °C | 629 – 654 °C |
| Thermal conductivity | 160 – 190 W/m·K | 162 W/m·K |
| Electrical conductivity | 40 – 50% IACS | 42% IACS |
| Tensile strength, O | 95 – 130 MPa | 150 – 200 MPa |
| Tensile strength, H18 (min) | 185 MPa | 260 MPa |
Tensile values are ASTM B209 sheet limits. Foil values depend on thickness; see GB/T 3198 / EN 546-2 and the mill test certificate.
Applications of 3003 / 3004 Aluminum Foil
- Food containers: take-away, bakery and airline trays that must stay rigid when filled and heated
- Air-conditioner fin stock: bare or hydrophilic-coated fins; the coating spreads condensate so water drains instead of bridging between fins
- Honeycomb core: 3003-H18/H19 for architectural panels, doors, air filters and light-duty sandwich structures
- Closures and lids: stiff lid stock and caps where 1xxx foil would dent
3003 vs 3004 vs 8011 Foil
| Property | 3003 | 3004 | 8011 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alloy type | Al-Mn | Al-Mn-Mg | Al-Fe-Si |
| Strength | Medium | High | Medium |
| Formability | Very good | Good | Very good |
| Typical foil use | Containers, fins, honeycomb | Rigid containers, lids | Household foil, containers, lids |
3003 Foil Weight & Yield Chart
| Thickness (µm) | Thickness (mm) | Weight (g/m²) | Yield (m²/kg) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20 | 0.020 | 54.6 | 18.3 |
| 30 | 0.030 | 81.9 | 12.2 |
| 40 | 0.040 | 109.2 | 9.2 |
| 50 | 0.050 | 136.5 | 7.3 |
| 60 | 0.060 | 163.8 | 6.1 |
| 80 | 0.080 | 218.4 | 4.6 |
| 100 | 0.100 | 273.0 | 3.7 |
| 120 | 0.120 | 327.6 | 3.1 |
| 150 | 0.150 | 409.5 | 2.4 |
| 200 | 0.200 | 546.0 | 1.8 |
Weight (g/m²) = thickness (µm) × density (g/cm³); yield (m²/kg) = 1000 ÷ weight. Theoretical values; actual yield varies within thickness tolerance.
3003/3004 Aluminium Foil Export Markets
We export 3003/3004 aluminum foil (also written "aluminium foil") in jumbo and slit rolls on FOB, CFR and CIF terms. Main destinations and typical uses:
- Southeast Asia – Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh City, Hai Phong), Malaysia (Port Klang), Thailand (Laem Chabang), Indonesia (Jakarta, Surabaya), Philippines (Manila): food delivery containers, AC fin stock for split air-conditioners, honeycomb panels.
- North America – Mexico (Manzanillo, Veracruz): bakery and take-away containers, HVAC fin stock.
- Middle East – UAE (Jebel Ali), Saudi Arabia (Jeddah, Dammam), Israel (Haifa, Ashdod): catering and airline containers, AC fin stock for high-ambient cooling units.
- Africa – Nigeria (Lagos), South Africa (Durban): take-away food containers, AC fin stock and honeycomb building panels.
3003/3004 Standards & Equivalent Grades
| System | Designation / Standard |
|---|---|
| AA / ASTM | 3003 / 3004 |
| UNS | A93003 / A93004 |
| EN | EN AW-3003 (AlMn1Cu) / EN AW-3004 (AlMn1Mg1) |
| GB (China) | 3003 / 3004 |
| JIS | A3003 / A3004 |
| Foil product standards | ASTM B479, EN 546, GB/T 3198, JIS H4160 |
3003/3004 Aluminum Foil Supply & Packing
- Form: Jumbo rolls for converters, or slit rolls to your width
- Core: Steel or aluminum core, ID 76 mm (3") or 152 mm (6")
- Surface: Two sides bright for single-rolled gauges; one side bright / one side matte for double-rolled thin foil
- Packing: Moisture-proof wrapping with desiccant, eye-to-sky or eye-to-wall in ISPM 15 wooden cases or on pallets
- Documents: Mill test certificate (EN 10204 3.1), certificate of origin, food-contact declaration on request
- MOQ: 3 – 5 tons per specification; trial orders negotiable
- Lead time: 20 – 30 days after order confirmation
- Terms: FOB, CFR, CIF; payment by T/T or L/C
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 3003 and 3004 aluminum foil?
3004 contains 0.8 – 1.3% magnesium in addition to manganese, which makes it considerably stronger than 3003 but slightly less formable. Choose 3003 for deep-drawn containers and fins; 3004 for stiffer rigid containers and lids.
Is 3003 or 8011 better for food containers?
Both are widely used. 8011 is the most common and economical container alloy; 3003 gives somewhat higher strength and stiffness, useful for larger or heavier trays.
What is hydrophilic aluminum fin foil?
It is fin stock coated with a hydrophilic (water-attracting) layer, often blue, gold or clear. Condensate spreads into a thin film and drains away, improving heat transfer and reducing corrosion and odor in air-conditioner evaporators.
Is 3003 used for honeycomb core?
Yes. 3003-H18/H19 foil is used for commercial-grade honeycomb in building panels, doors and filters. For aerospace and high-load structures, 5052 honeycomb foil is specified.
Related Grades
1050 / 1060 Aluminum Foil
High-purity 1xxx foil for conductive, thermal and insulation uses
1235 Aluminum Foil
The standard alloy for double-zero flexible packaging foil
5052 Aluminum Foil
The strongest common foil alloy, made for honeycomb core
8006 / 8011 Aluminum Foil
The workhorse alloys for household foil and food containers
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