Why "Ultra-Width" is a Game-Changer for Trailer Roofs?
For trailer roofs, "ultra-width" typically means coils that are over 2,000 mm (78 inches) wide, often up to 2,600 mm (102 inches) or more.
The primary benefit is seam reduction:
1) A single, ultra-wide panel can cover the entire width of a standard trailer, creating a one-piece roof.
2) This eliminates the need for side-to-side seams, which are the most common potential failure points for leaks.
Advantages of Ultra-Width 3003 Coils for Trailer Roofs:
1. Superior Weatherproofing: A one-piece roof dramatically reduces the risk of water leakage, protecting the cargo inside.
2. Faster, Cheaper Manufacturing: It simplifies the production process. There's no need to weld and sealultiple 3. panels together across the width of the trailer, saving time and labor.
4. Enhanced Structural Integrity: A seamless roof panel distributes stress more evenly and is less prone to fatigue cracking at seam lines.
5. Good Balance of Properties: 3003 provides the "sweet spot" of adequate strength, excellent formability, and good corrosion resistance at a competitive cost.
Technical Datasheet: Ultra-Width 3003 Aluminum Coil:
Primary Application: Trailer & Truck Roofs, Large Panels, Industrial Covers, Building Products where formability and a balance of strength and cost are key.
Material Specification
1. Alloy Designation: AA 3003 (UNS A93003)
Aluminum Association: The Aluminum Association, Inc.
Related Standards: ASTM B209, AMS 4006, QQ-A-250/2
Temper: Most Common: H14 (1/2 Hard), H12 (1/4 Hard), H16 (3/4 Hard), H18 (Full Hard). Also available in O (Annealed) for severe forming.
2. Chemical Composition (Weight % - Typical)
| Element | Content (%) | Role |
|---|
| Aluminum (Al) | Balance | Base Element |
| Manganese (Mn) | 1.0 - 1.5 | Primary alloying element; increases strength via solid solution hardening. |
| Copper (Cu) | 0.05 - 0.20 | Minor addition; slightly increases strength. |
| Iron (Fe) | ≤ 0.7 | Impurity, controlled for formability. |
| Silicon (Si) | ≤ 0.6 | Impurity, can affect formability and surface finish. |
| Zinc (Zn) | ≤ 0.10 | Impurity. |
| Others (Each) | ≤ 0.05 | - |
3. Mechanical Properties (Per ASTM B209)
| Temper | Tensile Strength (Min) | Yield Strength (0.2% Offset, Min) | Elongation (in 2", %) |
|---|
| O (Annealed) | 110 MPa (16 ksi) | 40 MPa (6 ksi) | 30 % |
| H12 | 130 MPa (19 ksi) | 125 MPa (18 ksi) | 10 % |
| H14 | 150 MPa (22 ksi) | 145 MPa (21 ksi) | 8 % |
| H16 | 175 MPa (25 ksi) | 170 MPa (25 ksi) | 5 % |
| H18 | 200 MPa (29 ksi) | 185 MPa (27 ksi) | 4 % |
Note: H14 is the most common and recommended temper for trailer roofs, offering the best balance of strength and formability.
4. Physical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|
| Density | 2.73 g/cm³ (0.098 lb/in³) |
| Melting Point | ~ 643 - 654 °C (~1190 - 1210 °F) |
| Electrical Conductivity | ~ 40% IACS (International Annealed Copper Standard) |
| Thermal Conductivity | 163 W/m·K |
| Coefficient of Thermal Expansion | 23.2 µm/m·°C (20-100°C) |
5. Dimensional Specifications (Typical for Ultra-Width)
| Parameter | Standard Range | Notes |
|---|
| Width | 2,000 mm - 2,600 mm
(78" - 102") | "Ultra-Width" is application-defined. Can be produced up to ~2,800mm. |
| Thickness (Gauge) | 0.020" - 0.080"
(0.51 mm - 2.03 mm) | Trailer Roof Std.: 0.032" - 0.050" (0.81-1.27 mm) |
| Coil I.D. (Inner Diameter) | 405 mm (16"), 508 mm (20"), 610 mm (24") | 508 mm (20") is the most common industrial standard. |
| Coil O.D. (Outer Diameter) | Up to 1,800 mm (71") | Limited by handling equipment. Larger O.D. = longer runs, less downtime. |
| Coil Weight | 1,000 kg - 12,000 kg+ | Customized based on mill capacity and customer handling. |
6. Key Performance Characteristics
Formability: Excellent. 3003 is highly ductile, especially in O and H12/H14 tempers, making it ideal for roll-forming, bending, and shallow drawing.
Corrosion Resistance: Very Good. It has excellent resistance to atmospheric corrosion, forming a protective oxide layer. It is suitable for most outdoor environments but is less resistant to saltwater than 5xxx series alloys like 5052.
Weldability: Excellent. It can be readily welded using all common methods, including GMAW (MIG), GTAW (TIG), and RFSSW. Filler alloy 4043 is commonly used.
Machinability: Fair. Rated 3 on a scale of 1 (Poor) to 10 (Excellent) for aluminum alloys. It is gummy compared to free-machining alloys like 2011 or 6061.
Brazeability: Excellent.
7. Surface Finishes
Mill Finish: Standard, uncoated finish from the mill. Smooth, metallic grey appearance.
Embossed: A textured pattern (e.g., Linen, Stucco) is rolled into the surface. Highly recommended for trailer roofs to hide scratches and minor dents.
Painted (Coil Coated): Can be pre-painted with PVDF or Polyester coatings for enhanced durability and aesthetics.
8. Tolerances (Standard Mill - Typical)
Thickness: ± 5% of nominal gauge.
Width: ± 1.0 mm for widths > 1500mm.
Camber (Straightness): Critical for ultra-width. Typically specified as ≤ 1 mm per meter of length.
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