6061 vs 3003 Aluminum：Which Is Better?
Aluminum alloys come in a wide variety and offer versatility. And 6061 aluminum and 3003 aluminum are one of the popular alloys of 6000 series aluminum plate and 3000 series aluminum plate respectively. Both are lightweight, durable and recyclable, making them popular choices for everything from construction to aerospace. This article compares these two common alloys specifically to help you choose the most suitable material for your project.

6061 Aluminum Review
6061 aluminum sheet is a high-quality alloy product produced by heat treatment and pre-stretching. The main components are aluminum, magnesium and silicon. It has been standardized by the Aluminum Association of America (AA) and is available in various forms such as polished, coated, anodized, mirrored, embossed, etc. Its performance and characteristics: high tensile strength, good formability and weldability make it widely used. Used in various applications. No matter in entertainment, building structure, marine ship, or aerospace field, 6061 aluminum plate can be seen. Compared with other aluminum alloys in the 6000 series, such as 6005 aluminum and 6063 aluminum, 6061 has higher strength than them and is more suitable for applications with high formability.

3003 Aluminum Review
3003 aluminum sheet is part of the 3xxx series of aluminum alloys consisting primarily of aluminum and manganese as the primary alloying elements. This alloy is widely used in various industries. Its properties include excellent formability, moderate strength and good corrosion resistance. Although 3003 is not as strong as the similar series of 3004, 3005, and 3105 aluminum sheets, 3003 is highly regarded for its economy and ease of welding and brazing, making it the first choice of manufacturers. Widely used in cooking utensils, chemical equipment, storage tanks, roofs and heat exchangers, etc.

Comparing the chemical composition of 6061 aluminum and 3003 aluminum
Alloy 6061 aluminium 3003 aluminium
Chemical Composition Aluminum(Al): 97.9%, Magnesium (Mg): 1.0-1.2%, Silicon (Si): 0.4-0.8%,
Iron (Fe): 0.7%,
Copper(Cu): 0.15-0.4%, Zinc(Zn): 0.25%,
Titanium(Ti): 0.15%, Manganese(Mn): 0.15% (maximum),
Chromium(Cr): 0.04-0.35%,
Other Elements: 0.05% each,
0.15% total,
Remainder: Aluminum Aluminum(Al): 98.6%, Manganese (Mn): 1.0-1.5%, Other Elements: 0.20% (maximum),
Remainder: Aluminum
Specific Gravity 2.70 g/cm³ 2.73 g/cm³

Comparing The Properties Of 6061 Aluminum And 3003 Aluminum
Mechanical Properties
Alloy 6061 aluminum 3003 aluminum
Tensile Strength (MPa) 276-310 130-180
Yield Strength (MPa) 241-276 55-145
Elongation (%) 8-14 20-30
Physical Properties
Alloy 6061 aluminum 3003 aluminum
Density (g/cm³) 2.70 2.73
Melting Point (°C) 582-652 655-685
Thermal Expansion (10^-6/°C) 23.6 23.2
Modulus of Elasticity (GPa) 68-70 69-72
Thermal Conductivity (W/m·K) 151-202 125-160
Electrical Resistivity (nΩ·m) 3.95 4.25

Comparing The Application Of 6061 Aluminum And 3003 Aluminum
6061 aluminum is a versatile alloy with applications in various industries. For example: in the aerospace industry, 6061 aluminum is used to make aircraft components, such as wings, fuselage sections and structural parts; in the marine industry, 6061 aluminum is used to make parts, hulls and other components that require corrosion resistance and durable parts; compared with the commonly used 5052 aluminum plates commonly used in automobiles, the automotive industry uses 6061 aluminum to manufacture auto parts, including engine parts, gearbox parts, etc., while 5052 focuses on the manufacture of auto panels, fuel tanks and heat exchangers; in addition, 6061 aluminum is also widely used in the production of radiators, electrical connectors, bicycle frames, sports equipment and furniture.

3003 aluminum is typically used in applications requiring a balance of formability, corrosion resistance, and cost-effectiveness. A prominent application is the production of heat exchangers, whose excellent thermal conductivity and corrosion resistance make them suitable for transferring heat in a variety of systems, including air conditioning, refrigeration, and automotive cooling systems; the food and beverage industry uses 3003 aluminum for cookware , food packaging and cooking utensils, because it is non-toxic, easy to form and resistant to food acid and moisture corrosion; due to its resistance to many chemicals, it is also widely used in chemical equipment and storage tanks; in the construction industry, 3003 aluminum Used for roofing, especially in residential and commercial construction, it is a favorite in the construction sector along with 1000 series aluminum sheets (such as commonly used grades 1050 aluminum sheet/1060 aluminum sheet/1100 aluminum sheet).

Application Comparison Of Yongsheng 6061 Aluminum And 3003 Aluminum
Alloy 6061 aluminum 3003 aluminum
Applications Mobile phone card slot, mobile phone case, mold, automobile, mask machine, precision machining, etc. Stock silos, antenna pot materials, power battery shells, automotive heat shields, etc.

Which Is Better 6061 Or 3003 Aluminum?
The choice of 6061 or 3003 aluminum depends on the specific application and requirements. Both alloys have their own unique properties and advantages.
6061 is a versatile alloy for applications requiring high structural integrity and has good corrosion resistance, especially when compared to other aluminum alloys; this alloy is easy to weld, machine and form, which adds to its versatility. However, due to its desirable properties, 6061 aluminum can be more expensive than some other alloys. 3003 aluminum, on the other hand, is a non-heat treatable alloy that is typically used for general purpose applications such as cooking utensils, roofing, and signage. This alloy also has good weldability and machinability, allowing for efficient manufacturing processes. Compared to some stronger alloys, 3003 aluminum tends to be less expensive.

In short, if you need higher strength and greater structural integrity, 6061 aluminum may be a better choice. On the other hand, if formability, cost-effectiveness, and corrosion resistance are more important to your application, 3003 aluminum may be an appropriate choice.

Summary
This paper mainly compares the chemical composition, physical properties, mechanical properties and applications of 6061 aluminum plate and 3003 aluminum plate, and draws a conclusion: both have their own advantages, and there is no better statement. The key lies in which performance of aluminum plate users value. If you still want to know more about Yongsheng products, please check our official website or directly send an email or call a contact number. We will reply you as soon as possible after receiving the information.