Aluminum ingots or other forms of raw aluminum are materials used to produce aluminum coils. This raw aluminum, known as cold rolling or direct cast, also makes an aluminum coil. Rolled aluminum sheets are rolled up, or coiled, around a core. These densely packed coils are more easily shipped and stored when compared with aluminum in sheet form. Coil is a staple among numerous industries as it is a material in different components.

Aluminum is soft for several manufacturing applications when it is in its purest form. Thus, the most processed aluminum coil is manufactured and supplied as an alloy. Alloys are composed of at least two or more elements. In this case, one of the elements must be aluminum. A four-digit numerical system identifies aluminum alloys for sheet products. Aluminum, when combined with other metals, can be customized to specific requirements for strength, formability, and other properties.

Aluminum coil is produced in varying widths, thicknesses, and lengths. The size of the components and the manufacturing process determine the exact dimensions of the aluminum coil. Mill, matte, and bright are numerous surface finishes available.

Aluminum coil is available in various tempers. It can be offered as “fabricated,” also known as “F” temper, which has no limits in mechanical and where no specific control has been applied over work-hardening or thermal conditions. Another option is strain-hardened which can be applied to wrought products that are strengthened by cold-working or cold-rolling. The aluminum may be annealed, where the material may be heated with controlled conditions, to produce the required combination of strength and formability.

What Makes Aluminum Stand out over other Metals?

Weight – Aluminum stands out over other materials with like properties because it is lightweight. Aluminum is suitable for applications in the aerospace, auto industries, and others where total product weight is a major issue. In addition, it is cost-effective to ship aluminum.

Value – Aluminum is cheaper compared to copper which allows manufacturers to tone down operational costs without compromising quality performance.

Workability – Aluminum is highly malleable. This means that aluminum can be easily shaped according to the required specifications. It is popular among manufacturing processes because it can be easily drawn, roll-formed, and stamped.

Corrosion Resistance – Aluminum is highly resistant to rust and corrosion which makes it a better alternative over steel.

Recyclability – The high recyclability of aluminum allows it to be used over and over again which reduces its carbon footprint.

Conductivity – Aluminum is a good conductor of heat and electricity. Electrical grade aluminum is shown to have an equal conductivity of 62% with electrical grade copper when measured by equal cross-sectional area. However, the conductivity of copper is 204% when equal weights of both are used.

Here are the common quality problems, causes, and treatment methods of aluminum coils. 

1. Surface Oxidation

Surface oxidation affects all metals as their surfaces are exposed to the air. The surface of the aluminum coil forms an aluminum oxide layer when exposed to air. This will decrease the lifespan and affect the appearance of the aluminum coil. Thus, the following steps must be taken to avoid surface oxidation:

Include special chemicals during the manufacturing process to prevent surface oxidation.

Clean and protect the aluminum coils.

Utilize appropriate packaging materials and methods to avoid aluminum coils from being exposed to the air.

2. Deformation

Deformation also hounds during the aluminum coil production. This is due to the stretching, bending, and other operations during processing. Appearance is not the only thing that will be affected by a deformed aluminum coil. The performance will also be affected. Thus, the following measures must be taken to avoid this:

Conduct regular maintenance of the processing equipment to ensure regular operation.

Regulate the correct use of temperature, pressure, and other parameters during processing to avoid overprocessing.

Utilize the correct materials and thickness to prevent aluminum coil deformation during processing.

3. Scratch

Aluminum coils are frequently scratched during production and transportation. This is usually caused by friction, collision, and other reasons. Scratches result in a decrease in the quality and performance of aluminum coils. Thus, the following measures must be taken to avoid this:

Maintain equipment in the production process to ensure regular operation.

Utilize correct packaging materials and methods during production and transportation to avoid external damage to aluminum coils.

Perform and adhere to industry standards to prevent defective products.

4. Other concerns

Other possible quality problems might occur such as cracks. The causes of these problems might be different and they also require their specific solutions. Thus, the following steps should be taken to avoid these problems:

Maintain equipment in the production process to ensure regular operation.

Conduct regular inspections and strict screening of raw materials to prevent defective products.

Follow strict industry standards. Quality control measures to ensure products are at par.

Conclusion

Different quality problems will indeed be encountered during the production process of aluminum coils. However, if appropriate measures are followed, these concerns will be effectively avoided and there will be an increased performance of the product for competitiveness.

Jixiang has been in the manufacturing business of aluminum coils for many years. The company has grown and has continuously improved its processes to produce high quality products that our clients deserve. Our staff are highly trained and our experts can help you if you need any questions to be answered. You can contact us anytime and we will serve you. Do not hesitate and we will be there to guide you.