Aluminum Sheet Buying Guide: 1100 vs 3003 vs 5052 vs 6061 — How to Choose the Right Alloy, Temper, and Finish
Aluminum sheet covers roofing, trailers, marine panels, kitchen equipment, and signage — but the alloy decides whether the panel forms without cracking, survives salt spray, or anodizes evenly. Specify the wrong series or temper and the sheet cracks on the brake, chalks in a coastal year, or costs double what the duty needed.
This guide compares the four alloys buyers order most, tempers, finishes, and the exact RFQ lines.
Alloys Compared
| Alloy | Series | Strength | Corrosion | Formability | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1100 | 1xxx pure | Low | Good | Excellent | Spinning, reflectors, trim |
| 3003 | 3xxx Mn | Medium | Good | Excellent | Roofing, tanks, ducting |
| 5052 | 5xxx Mg | High | Very good (marine) | Good | Marine, trailers, pressure |
| 6061 | 6xxx Mg-Si | High (heat-treat) | Good | Fair | Structures, machining |
Tempers Explained
- O: annealed, softest, deepest draws.
- H14 / H24: half-hard; roofing and general sheet.
- H32 / H34: strain-hardened + stabilized; marine and trailer work.
- T6: solution + aged; structural plate and machined parts.
Thickness and Size
- Foil/light: 0.2–0.5 mm (cladding, flashing).
- Sheet: 0.5–6 mm; roofing commonly 0.7–1.2 mm.
- Plate: 6 mm+; marine and structural.
- Widths: 1000 / 1220 / 1500 mm; lengths to 6000 mm.
Surface and Finish
- Mill finish: standard, for painting or hidden use.
- Brushed / hairline: decorative panels.
- Anodized: hard oxide skin; confirm alloy anodizes evenly (5xxx/6xxx best).
- PVDF / PE coated: roofing and facade color coil.
Common Applications
- Roofing, cladding, gutters (3003 / coated).
- Marine panels and tanks (5052-H32).
- Trailers, truck bodies (5052 / 6061).
- Cookware, ducting, signage (1100 / 3003).
RFQ Checklist
- Alloy + temper (e.g., 5052-H32)
- Thickness × width × length
- Finish: mill / brushed / anodized / coated + color
- Protective film needed?
- Quantity (sheets or tonnes) + packing
- Standard and destination / Incoterm
FAQ
3003 or 5052 for roofing? 3003 for inland economy; 5052 where strength or coastal exposure matters.
Can 6061 bend like 5052? No — 6061-T6 cracks on tight radii; use 5052-H32 for folded work.
Which anodizes best? 5xxx and 6xxx; 3xxx and 1xxx color less evenly.
Why Source Aluminum Sheet from Yihang Metal
Yihang Metal supplies 1100, 3003, 5052, and 6061 sheet and plate to ASTM B209 / EN 573 in O, H, and T tempers, mill, brushed, anodized, and color-coated, film-protected and seaworthy packed. Standard sizes typically ship in 20–30 days.
Ready to specify your aluminum sheet? Send us the alloy, temper, dimensions, and finish, and we will confirm stock availability and lead time with a fixed-price quote and MTC. Email [email protected] or use the quote form on this page — our team replies within one business day.