Alloy Nature

3003-H14 is a non-heat-treatable alloy, hardened by work-hardening to a half-hard state. It combines good corrosion resistance, regular surface, and excellent aptitude for bending and moderate deep drawing. For deep draws or very sharp angles, local annealing or selecting a softer temper is possible.

Primary Uses

Formed covers and panels for equipment, enclosures, and guards with tight radii.

Signage, nameplates, and labels where uniform finish and easy painting are desired.

Reflector backs, facades, and light decorative moldings.

Thin shims and lightweight spacers when thin, stable stock is needed.

Secondary Uses

Appliance trim, displays, architectural cladding installed with large radii or left flat.

HVAC plenums and transitions formed with large radii or profiled with soft rolling.

What It Does Well

Everyday corrosion resistance, indoors/outdoors except aggressive saline environments.

Formability in thin gauge: tight bends, hems, and rolled profiles with low risk of cracking.

Finish: accepts paint and powder with cleaning and conversion; brushing possible then clear varnish to protect appearance.

Assembly: compatible with rivets, spot welding, adhesives, and mechanical seams; MIG/TIG possible considering softening in heat-affected zone.

Forming Guidelines

Provide modest to medium internal radii (often 1–2× thickness) and limit sharp notches; use relief radii at corners. Control grain direction: bending across the rolling direction improves tolerance for tight bends.

Deep draws are feasible with polished tooling and appropriate lubrication; for extreme draws, move to a softer temper or anneal locally.

Cutting and Handling

Shear, laser, waterjet, and CNC produce clean edges; support thin sheet to limit burrs, float, and chatter.

Avoid oil-canning: don't over-constrain large panels, favor continuous supports over point loads.

Fastening

Blind rivets, bonded studs, threaded inserts, and self-clinching hardware depending on minimum required thickness. Provide galvanic isolation with dissimilar metals.

Finish

Mill finish standard. Clear anodizing may present slightly gray/non-uniform tint compared to architectural alloys; for tight color match in clear anodizing, prefer 5005/5052. Paint and powder give durable, uniform rendering with good preparation.

In Summary

Choose 3003-H14 when you need thin, lightweight, and highly formable sheet for covers, panels, signage, cladding, and decorative parts, with clean finishes and efficient fabrication at controlled cost.