1/8 inch aluminum sheet is a versatile and widely used material suitable for construction, industrial, marine, and DIY projects.
Selecting the right alloy (3003, 5052, or 6061) depends on the strength, corrosion resistance, and workability required.
Whether you need lightweight panels, durable structural components, or decorative sheets, 1/8 inch aluminum sheet offers an ideal solution for a wide range of applications.
Types of Aluminum Sheet – 3003, 5052, 6061
1/8 inch aluminum sheet is a popular thickness for industrial, construction, and DIY applications.
It is available in several alloys, including 3003, 5052, and 6061, each offering different strength, corrosion resistance, and machinability.
| Alloy | Temper | Thickness (in) | Weight (lbs per 4×8 sheet) | Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3003 | H14 | 0.125 | 20 | Excellent corrosion resistance, easy to form |
| 5052 | H32 | 0.125 | 20.5 | High strength, corrosion-resistant in marine environments |
| 6061 | T6 | 0.125 | 21 | Strong, heat-treatable, excellent mechanical properties |
3003 Aluminum Sheet
Overview
3003 aluminum sheet is one of the most popular non-heat-treatable alloys. It is made primarily of aluminum with a small amount of manganese, which increases strength compared to pure aluminum.
Key Features
- Excellent corrosion resistance
- Good formability and weldability
- Moderate strength suitable for light-duty applications
- Smooth surface and easy to anodize for appearance enhancement
Specifications Table
| Property | Detail |
|---|---|
| Alloy | 3003 |
| Temper | H14 / H24 |
| Density | 2.73 g/cm³ |
| Tensile Strength | 110–150 MPa |
| Yield Strength | 95 MPa |
| Thickness Range | 0.2mm – 6mm |
Common Applications
- Roofing and siding panels
- Food and chemical handling equipment
- Decorative trim and signage
- Kitchen utensils and storage tanks
5052 Aluminum Sheet
Overview
5052 aluminum sheet is known for its excellent corrosion resistance, especially in marine and saltwater environments. It is stronger than 3003 and retains good formability and weldability.
Key Features
- Superior resistance to corrosion and seawater
- High fatigue strength
- Good weldability
- Suitable for anodizing and painting
Specifications Table
| Property | Detail |
|---|---|
| Alloy | 5052 |
| Temper | H32 / H34 |
| Density | 2.68 g/cm³ |
| Tensile Strength | 210–260 MPa |
| Yield Strength | 160–200 MPa |
| Thickness Range | 0.5mm – 10mm |
Common Applications
- Marine and boat panels
- Fuel tanks and truck bodies
- Pressure vessels
- Outdoor architectural structures
6061 Aluminum Sheet
Overview
6061 aluminum sheet is a heat-treatable alloy that provides the highest strength among the three. It contains magnesium and silicon, offering excellent mechanical properties and corrosion resistance.
Key Features
- High tensile and yield strength
- Excellent machinability
- Suitable for heat treatment and welding
- Ideal for structural and heavy-duty applications
Specifications Table
| Property | Detail |
|---|---|
| Alloy | 6061 |
| Temper | T6 / T651 |
| Density | 2.70 g/cm³ |
| Tensile Strength | 290–320 MPa |
| Yield Strength | 240 MPa |
| Thickness Range | 1mm – 150mm |
Common Applications
- Aerospace and automotive components
- Frames and brackets
- Machinery and tooling
- Heavy-duty flooring and truck beds
Comparison Summary
| Alloy | Strength | Corrosion Resistance | Formability | Common Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3003 | Moderate | Excellent | Excellent | Roofing, utensils |
| 5052 | High | Excellent (Marine) | Good | Tanks, boats |
| 6061 | Very High | Good | Moderate | Aerospace, structures |
How Thick is 1/8 Aluminum Sheet?
1/8 inch aluminum sheet equals 0.125 inches or 3.175 mm.
It is suitable for sheet metal fabrication, signage, panels, and enclosures.
This thickness provides a balance of strength and flexibility, making it easy to cut, bend, and weld.
How Strong is 0.125 Aluminum?
The strength of 1/8 inch aluminum depends on the alloy:
| Alloy | Yield Strength (psi) | Tensile Strength (psi) | Common Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3003 | 17,000 | 28,000 | Roofing, siding, decorative panels |
| 5052 | 28,000 | 38,000 | Marine applications, truck beds, panels |
| 6061 | 40,000 | 45,000 | Aerospace, structural components, heavy-duty panels |
Key Notes:
- 6061 is stronger than 3003 and 5052.
- 5052 has superior corrosion resistance, especially in saltwater.
- 3003 is easy to form and suitable for decorative applications.
Weight of 1/8 Aluminum Sheet (4×8)
A 4×8 foot sheet of 1/8 inch aluminum weighs roughly:
| Alloy | Weight (lbs) |
|---|---|
| 3003 | 20 |
| 5052 | 20.5 |
| 6061 | 21 |
Applications where weight matters:
- Aircraft and marine components
- Lightweight furniture panels
- HVAC ducts and enclosures
6061 vs 7075 Aluminum: Which is Stronger?
| Alloy | Tensile Strength (psi) | Properties |
|---|---|---|
| 6061-T6 | 45,000 | Good strength, weldable, corrosion-resistant |
| 7075-T6 | 83,000 | Very high strength, not as corrosion-resistant, harder to weld |
Summary:
- For most industrial applications, 6061 is preferred for ease of use and corrosion resistance.
- For extreme strength applications, 7075 is stronger but less corrosion-resistant.
Applications of 1/8 Aluminum Sheet
1/8 inch aluminum sheets are widely used in:
- Construction: Roofing panels, siding, and facades
- Automotive: Body panels, brackets, and trim
- Marine: Boat panels, decks, and accessories
- Industrial: Enclosures, machinery parts, ductwork
- DIY & Craft: Signage, photo frames, and decorative projects
| Application | Alloy Recommended | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Roofing Panels | 3003 | Easy to form and install |
| Marine Panels | 5052 | Corrosion-resistant in saltwater |
| Structural Components | 6061 | High strength and durable |
| Signage & Craft | 3003 or 5052 | Lightweight and easy to cut |
Specifications Table
| Property | Value (Typical for 1/8″) |
|---|---|
| Thickness | 0.125 in / 3.175 mm |
| Width | 48 in (standard) |
| Length | 96 in (standard) |
| Weight | 20–21 lbs per 4×8 sheet |
| Common Alloy | 3003, 5052, 6061 |
| Finish | Mill, brushed, painted, anodized |
