3003 Aluminum Circle
The aluminum circle 3003 is one of the most widely used aluminum disc products in global cookware manufacturing, utensil production, and industrial stamping. With its balanced combination of formability, corrosion resistance, and cost efficiency, the 3003 alloy aluminum circle has become the preferred raw material for pots, pans, pressure cooker bodies, and spinning-formed kitchenware components.
This guide covers everything B2B buyers need to know: alloy properties, full specification tables, temper selection, pricing factors, quality certifications, and how to source factory-direct aluminum circle 3003 sheet for export orders.
What Is a 3003 Aluminum Circle?
An aluminum circle (also called an aluminum disc or aluminum round circle) is a flat, circular blank cut or punched from aluminum coil or sheet. It serves as the starting material for deep drawing, spin forming, and impact extrusion processes used in cookware and utensil manufacturing.
The 3003 alloy belongs to the 3xxx series — aluminum-manganese alloys. Manganese content (typically 1.0–1.5%) gives 3003 aluminum circles better strength than pure 1xxx-series discs while maintaining excellent ductility and weldability. This makes the 3003 aluminum circle sheet ideal for forming complex shapes without cracking.
3003 vs. 1050 / 1060 / 1100 Aluminum Circle — Key Differences
| Property | 1050 / 1060 Aluminum Circle | 1100 Aluminum Circle | 3003 Aluminum Circle |
|---|---|---|---|
| Purity / Composition | ≥99.5% Al / ≥99.6% Al | ≥99.0% Al | Al + 1.0–1.5% Mn |
| Tensile Strength (O temper) | 65–95 MPa | 75–105 MPa | 110–145 MPa |
| Yield Strength (O temper) | 15–35 MPa | 35 MPa min | 42 MPa min |
| Elongation (O temper) | ≥23% | ≥20% | ≥20% |
| Corrosion Resistance | Excellent | Excellent | Very Good |
| Deep Draw Performance | Good | Good | Better (higher LDR) |
| Typical Applications | Thin-wall pots, simple discs | General cookware blanks | Pressure cookers, frying pans, thick-wall utensils |
| Price Level | Lower | Slightly higher | Moderate premium |
For manufacturers producing aluminium circle pan components that require multi-pass deep drawing or significant wall thinning, 3003-O is the preferred choice due to its higher forming limit and better springback control.
Full Specifications: 3003 Aluminum Circle
The table below covers standard parameters for 3003 aluminum circle as supplied for export. Custom dimensions are available on request.
| Parameter | Standard Range | Common Cookware Spec |
|---|---|---|
| Alloy | 3003 (AA3003) | 3003 |
| Temper | O, H12, H14, H16, H18, H24 | O (fully annealed) |
| Diameter | 100 mm – 1200 mm | 200 mm – 600 mm |
| Thickness | 0.3 mm – 8.0 mm | 1.0 mm – 4.0 mm |
| Surface Finish | Mill finish, bright finish, anodized | Mill finish (DC or CC grade) |
| Production Method | DC (Direct Chill) cast, CC (Continuous Cast) | DC cast (higher formability) |
| Diameter Tolerance | ±0.5 mm | ±0.5 mm |
| Thickness Tolerance | ±0.02 mm (≤1mm), ±0.03mm (>1mm) | ±0.03 mm |
| Flatness | ≤1.5 mm/m | ≤1.0 mm/m |
| Edge Condition | Smooth, burr-free (≤0.1 mm) | Smooth, burr-free |
| Packing | Interleaved paper, wooden pallet, wooden case | Wooden case for export |
| MOQ | 1 metric ton (MT) | 3–5 MT typical |
| Standards | ASTM B209, EN 485-2, GB/T 3880 | ASTM B209 / EN 485-2 |
Temper Selection Guide for 3003 Aluminum Circle
Choosing the correct temper for your 3003 aluminum round circle is critical. The wrong temper will cause cracking during forming or dimensional inconsistency in finished parts.
| Temper | Condition | Tensile Strength | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| O | Fully annealed (softest) | 110–145 MPa | Deep drawing, spin forming, severe forming operations — most cookware applications |
| H12 | Strain hardened, 1/4 hard | 130–165 MPa | Shallow drawing, lids, light-duty formed parts |
| H14 | Strain hardened, 1/2 hard | 150–185 MPa | Moderate forming, signage blanks, decorative discs |
| H16 | Strain hardened, 3/4 hard | 165–200 MPa | Light stamping, industrial blanks |
| H18 | Fully strain hardened (hardest) | 185 MPa min | Minimal forming, flat component blanks |
| H24 | Strain hardened + partially annealed | 145–180 MPa | Moderate strength with good formability — general-purpose cookware |
Recommendation: For aluminium circle pan production using multi-pass deep drawing, always specify 3003-O temper. For single-pass shallow forming or lid blanks, 3003-H24 offers a better balance of strength and surface hardness.
Key Applications of 3003 Aluminum Circle
1. Cookware Manufacturing
The most important application for 3003 aluminum circle globally is cookware production. The alloy’s high elongation and good work hardening behavior allow manufacturers to form deep pots, woks, frying pans, saucepans, and pressure cooker bodies without intermediate annealing. The aluminium circle pan blank is typically drawn through 2–4 passes to achieve the final shape.
2. Utensil and Kitchenware Production
Small kitchen utensils — ladles, colanders, grater blanks, baking cups — use thinner-gauge aluminum round circle discs (0.5 mm – 1.5 mm). These are often produced from CC-cast 3003, which provides sufficient formability at lower cost.
3. Traffic Signs and Road Signage
Round road signs and reflective sign blanks use 3003 aluminum circle sheet in H14 or H18 temper. The alloy resists corrosion in outdoor environments and holds its shape under mechanical fastening without deforming.
4. Industrial Discs and Stamped Parts
Electrical component housings, heat exchanger end caps, pressure vessel covers, and motor covers are manufactured from 3003 aluminum round circle blanks. The consistent mechanical properties across large-diameter discs (up to 1200 mm) make this alloy reliable for precision-stamped industrial parts.
5. Spinning and Spun Hollowware
Aluminum spinning operations — producing bowls, reflector housings, lamp shades, and decorative hollowware — depend heavily on 3003-O aluminum circle due to its excellent spinnability. The limiting drawing ratio (LDR) for 3003-O can reach 2.2–2.4, enabling complex profiles in a single spinning pass.
DC Cast vs. CC Cast 3003 Aluminum Circle: Which Should You Order?
| Factor | DC Cast (Direct Chill) | CC Cast (Continuous Cast) |
|---|---|---|
| Grain Structure | Uniform, fine grain | Coarser, less uniform |
| Formability | Excellent (higher LDR) | Good (lower LDR) |
| Surface Quality | Superior | Standard |
| Mechanical Consistency | High batch-to-batch consistency | Some variation |
| Cost | Higher | Lower (~10–15% less) |
| Recommended For | Pressure cookers, multi-pass deep drawing, export to EU/North America | General cookware, utensils, domestic market production |
Most premium cookware manufacturers in Turkey, Egypt, Brazil, and Southeast Asia specify DC-cast 3003 aluminum circle for their production lines. CC-cast 3003 circles are widely used in South Asia and Africa for cost-sensitive utensil production.
Pricing Factors for 3003 Aluminum Circle
The price of 3003 aluminum circle is quoted as: LME Aluminum Price + Fabrication Premium (conversion cost).
Key factors that affect your FOB price per metric ton:
| Factor | Impact on Price |
|---|---|
| LME aluminum spot price | Base cost; fluctuates daily |
| Alloy (3003 vs 1050/1060) | 3003 carries a $50–$120/MT alloy premium |
| Temper (O vs H14/H18) | O temper requires annealing; adds $30–$80/MT |
| Thickness (thin gauge) | Below 1.0 mm: higher rolling cost per ton |
| Diameter (large discs) | >800 mm: higher tooling and blanking cost |
| DC vs CC cast | DC cast: $80–$150/MT premium over CC |
| Surface treatment | Anodized or bright finish: add $100–$200/MT |
| Order quantity (MOQ) | 5+ MT orders typically receive better pricing |
| Delivery terms | FOB, CIF, DDP — affects landed cost significantly |
Request a live quote with your diameter, thickness, temper, and monthly volume. Factory-direct pricing is available on orders from 1 MT upward.
Quality Standards and Certifications
All 3003 aluminum circle products for export should be accompanied by a Mill Test Certificate (MTC) confirming chemical composition and mechanical properties. Key standards include:
- ASTM B209 — Standard Specification for Aluminum and Aluminum-Alloy Sheet and Plate (used by North American and international buyers)
- EN 485-2 — European standard for aluminum alloy sheet and strip mechanical properties
- GB/T 3880 — Chinese national standard for aluminum alloy sheet (applicable for China-origin product traceability)
- ISO 9001:2015 — Quality management system certification for manufacturing processes
- FDA / LFGB — Food contact compliance for cookware-grade aluminum circles (required for EU and US cookware market entry)
- REACH / RoHS — Chemical safety compliance for European market export
Always request the MTC alongside each shipment. Reputable suppliers provide SGS or BV third-party inspection reports on request for large orders.
Export Markets for 3003 Aluminum Circle
China is the world’s largest producer and exporter of 3003 aluminum circle. Major destination markets include:
| Region | Key Importing Countries | Primary Use |
|---|---|---|
| Middle East | Saudi Arabia, UAE, Iran, Egypt | Cookware, pressure cookers, utensils |
| South & Southeast Asia | Bangladesh, Vietnam, Indonesia, India | Cookware OEM, utensil stamping |
| Africa | Nigeria, Kenya, Ethiopia, Ghana | Affordable cookware production |
| Latin America | Brazil, Mexico, Colombia | Industrial stamping, cookware |
| Europe | Turkey, Poland, Italy (import for processing) | Premium cookware, hollowware |
| North America | USA, Canada, Mexico | OEM parts, cookware, signage |
Shipments are typically made in 20-foot or 40-foot containers, with wooden case packing for overseas freight. FOB Qingdao, FOB Shanghai, or CIF destination pricing is available.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between an aluminum circle and an aluminum disc?
They are the same product. Aluminum circle, aluminum disc, and aluminum round circle are interchangeable terms used across different markets. “Circle” is more common in Asian and Middle Eastern trade; “disc” is used in European and North American specifications.
Is 3003 aluminum circle food-safe?
Yes. The 3003 alloy contains no harmful alloying elements and is compliant with FDA food contact standards and the European LFGB regulation. It is one of the most widely used alloys in direct food-contact cookware manufacturing worldwide.
What thickness is standard for aluminium circle pan production?
Most frying pan and saucepan bodies use 3003 aluminum circles in the 1.5 mm – 3.5 mm thickness range. Pressure cooker bodies typically start from 2.5 mm – 4.0 mm. Thin-wall pots may use 1.0 mm – 1.5 mm gauge circles.
Can I order colored or anodized 3003 aluminum circles?
Yes. Colored aluminum circles (pre-anodized or painted) are available in standard and custom colors. These are used for decorative cookware, baking molds, and signage blanks. Request samples before placing bulk orders.
What is the minimum order quantity (MOQ) for 3003 aluminum circle?
Our standard MOQ is 1 metric ton. For custom diameters or non-standard tempers, a minimum of 3 MT per specification is typically required. Trial orders can be arranged for new customers.
How do I verify the alloy of the aluminum circles I receive?
Request a Mill Test Certificate (MTC) from the factory. The MTC will show chemical composition, mechanical properties, and production batch number. For high-volume orders, third-party inspection (SGS, BV, TÜV) can be arranged at the port of loading.
What is the lead time for export orders?
Standard in-stock specifications ship within 7–15 days. Custom diameters or thicknesses require 15–30 days production lead time depending on order volume and current mill schedule.
Why Source 3003 Aluminum Circle from a Chinese Factory Directly?
Sourcing 3003 aluminum circle factory-direct from China offers several structural advantages over trading company purchasing:
- Competitive FOB pricing — Direct mill access means no intermediary margin. Pricing is linked to LME + a fixed conversion premium, fully transparent.
- Custom specifications — Diameter, thickness, temper, surface finish, and packing can all be customized to your production requirements.
- Full MTC documentation — Every shipment includes a Mill Test Certificate with chemical and mechanical data, third-party inspection available on request.
- Large-diameter capability — Discs up to 1200 mm diameter available from our production line, covering even large pot and industrial stamping requirements.
- Export packaging standard — Interleaved kraft paper, wooden pallets, and export-grade wooden cases are standard. Custom marking and labeling available.
- ISO 9001:2015 certified production — Consistent quality management across all batches, with traceability from ingot to finished circle.
- Flexible trade terms — FOB, CFR, CIF, and DDP terms available. L/C, T/T, and other payment methods accepted.
Request a Quote for 3003 Aluminum Circle
To receive a competitive factory price for 3003 aluminum circle, please provide the following in your inquiry:
- Alloy and temper: e.g., 3003-O
- Diameter: e.g., 320 mm
- Thickness: e.g., 2.0 mm
- Required quantity: e.g., 10 MT/month
- Destination port and preferred trade term (FOB / CIF / DDP)
- Any special requirements: DC cast, MTC, third-party inspection, FDA compliance documentation
Our team will respond within 24 hours with a detailed quotation and product datasheet. We supply cookware manufacturers, OEM stamping factories, utensil producers, and industrial buyers across more than 30 countries.
