Flat rolled aluminium starts as a DC cast slab, which is scalped, preheated and hot rolled into thick plate or coil. Alternatively, continuous casters produce thin cast strip directly. The coil is then cold rolled to final thickness, with intermediate or final annealing to set the temper. Further passes on foil mills take thin strip down to foil, often rolling two layers together at the last pass.
Why it matters when buying
- Plate is generally above 6 mm, sheet below; product above 0.2 mm is classified under HSN 7606 and foil of 0.2 mm or less under 7607.
- Specify alloy and temper, thickness, width, length or coil ID and weight, flatness and surface quality.
- Continuous cast stock and DC cast stock can behave differently in deep drawing and anodising; ask which route was used if it matters.
- Check edges, oil, roll marks and interleaving paper on receipt.
Typical uses
Sheet and coil in 1050, 3003 and 5052 for utensils, roofing, panels and fabrication; plate for moulds and structures; can stock; and 8011 foil. See the sheet and coil buying checklist.