3003 DC aluminum circles are manufactured from 3003 aluminum-manganese alloy ingots produced via the Direct Chill (DC) casting process. They serve as a high-end, premium substrate for deep-drawn products and clad-bottom brazed cookware. Haomei Aluminum operates a fully integrated production line—encompassing DC casting, hot rolling, cold rolling, and precision blanking—to supply high-performance 3003 DC aluminum circles in a wide range of specifications. DC 3003 aluminum discs are extensively used globally in cookware manufacturing, precision hardware, and transportation infrastructure, with an annual supply volume exceeding 7,000 tons.
Process control is the cornerstone of the consistent performance of DC aluminum circles. 3003 alloy ingots are produced using an 18-ton semi-continuous casting unit, with the manganese content strictly maintained within an optimal range of 1.1%–1.4%. This ensures full compliance with the chemical composition requirements of ASTM B209 standard. After casting, the ingots undergo homogenization annealing at 480°C for at least 12 hours to completely eliminate compositional segregation and internal casting stresses. Subsequently, both sides are milled to remove surface segregation layers and subsurface defects. The material then undergoes heavy-deformation hot rolling, precision cold rolling, and a long-duration, low-temperature final annealing process to develop a uniform recrystallized microstructure. Compared to standard cast-rolled CC aluminum circles products, the compositional segregation within the DC aluminum circles is reduced by more than 60%, with mechanical property variations within a single batch kept to ≤3%—meeting the stability requirements for automated mass-production lines. Based on over a decade of industry experience, I have observed that for clients requiring high production yields, products manufactured via the DC (Direct Chill) process offer a superior total cost advantage; the savings gained from higher yields more than compensate for the slight price premium on raw materials.
The core performance parameters are fully aligned with the demands of high-end forming applications. In the O-temper (fully annealed) state, DC 3003 aluminum circles exhibit a tensile strength of 95–130 MPa, a yield strength of 40–65 MPa, an elongation at break of ≥25%, an Erichsen cupping test (IE) value of ≥9.5 mm, and a limiting deep-drawing ratio of up to 2.0:1. The solid-solution strengthening characteristic of the aluminum-manganese alloy provides excellent resistance to weak-acid corrosion; the material shows no pitting for over 720 hours in neutral salt spray tests and maintains structural stability—without significant softening or deformation—under high-temperature brazing conditions. The surface is dense and free of pinholes, with a controlled roughness (Ra) of 0.6–1.0 μm, ensuring excellent adhesion (Grade 0 standard) for subsequent coatings or platings.
Regarding supply and services, Haomei Aluminum produces 3003 DC aluminum circles in thicknesses ranging from 0.8 mm to 6.0 mm and diameters from 120 mm to 900 mm, with support for various tempers, including O, H12, and H14. Our food-contact grade products are certified by FDA and LFGB standards; every shipment includes detailed reports on chemical composition and mechanical properties. We maintain a ready stock of common cookware specifications, with standard orders typically dispatched within 7 days and custom orders delivered within 15–20 days. We provide specialized protective packaging for ocean freight and comprehensive end-to-end export documentation and coordination. Please contact our sales team for precise quotes on specific dimensions or to request free test samples.