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Process

Manufacturing

The Aludium manufacturing process begins with defining the alloy composition. The raw material is supplied from Aludium’s own Foundry or from approved external suppliers. All plates are thoroughly checked to ensure that the microstructure has the required level of quality for each application. The plates are first prepared (the surface is milled and the ends are cut off) and then they receive a heat treatment. They are hot rolled to the correct intermediate dimensions and a suitable metallurgical structure. Then, after obtaining the desired final state, the coil is sent to continue with the cold rolling.

The cold rolling operation is carried out using high-tech rolling mills that provide the final material with the mechanical properties and the required surface finish for any specific application. Through the control of rolling reductions and heat treatments, it is possible to ensure the characteristics of the material in its final state, with variations that can be defined by the customer. This makes the end product unique and suitable for the end application. Key data such as flatness, profile, thickness, width tolerances and surface condition are measured and controlled to deliver a high quality product.

Aludium operates an extensive range of products. and lines, allowing us to supply aluminum in multiple different conditions and specifications. Lamination lines, cutters, edge trimmers and form cutters allow Aludium to supply almost any aluminum product for virtually any industry. We can also deliver the material degreased or flattened under stress, which greatly increases our product offering.

We have a wide variety of surface finishes: from roughness variations and gloss finishes, to degreased and layered material conversion that is processed in our pre-treatment lines. Aludium can process metal to improve its anti-corrosion properties or promote better adhesion to paint.

All Aludium products are manufactured using dedicated processes that have been optimized thanks to our extensive experience and deep technical knowledge . Key variables such as metal composition and thermomechanical processing (hot or cold rolling, annealing) are carefully controlled to consistently deliver a high quality, reliable product. Best operating practices and internal standards are applied to ensure that we produce products that meet the highest customer expectations.

Aludium is also keen to offer customized aluminum sheet and coil features by upgrading or modification of the properties of the existing material. Our work is carried out in close collaboration with the client and with the support of our Cindal R&D technical center.

How we can help you

  • World-class production facilities.
  • Continuous innovation in processes and products with local and dedicated R&D
  • Technical and commercial customer support
  • Shipping worldwide from plants in Europe

Alloys

Aludium uses a wide range of aluminum alloys to manufacture the product range, preferably the production of coils and sheets from pure alloys. To obtain the final characteristics that our customers require, our manufacturing processes use hardening operations (such as hot and cold rolling) and softening (such as annealing or recrystallization).

Usually metal finish belongs to the 1XXX, 3XXX, 5XXX or 8XXX series alloys. All the alloys of the same series have similar characteristics:

  • Series 1XXX : They provide resistance to corrosion, good transformation capacity, weldability and conductivity.
  • Series 3XXX : show moderate resistance against atmospheric and chemical agents, and offer higher mechanical characteristics and better processing capacity than pure aluminum.
  • Series 5XXX : normally used in applications where it is required: resistance to corrosion, high hardness, good behavior to surface treatments and a good surface finish.
  • Series 8xxx : it offers a combination of properties similar to the 1xxx series but with greater hardness, better processing capacity, and improved rigidity. 8xxx alloys are generally suitable for finer applications.

How we can help you

  • World-class production facilities
  • Continuous innovation in processes and products with local and dedicated R&D
  • Support technical and commercial to the client
  • Shipping worldwide from plants in Europe

Treatments

Aludium can supply any state for any alloy on request. The material in our order book can be hardened through deformation (cold working) or softened through heat treatment operations (annealing).

A completely soft state is known as “ OR”. Hardening treatments (H) usually have at least two digits to identify the type of finish and hardness.

The first digit refers to the type of process carried out on the final material: 1 = cold rolled; 2 = cold rolled then partially annealed; 3 = cold rolled and stabilized; 4 = cold rolled and heated (by curing a paint, for example).

The second digit refers to the level of hardness and can be: 2 (a quarter hard); 4 (medium hard); 6 (three-quarter hard); 8 (hard); or 9 (extra hard).

Deep drawing behavior and proper bending ability are achieved using a combination of alloy and condition. For example, by combining hardening and annealing treatments, different states can be obtained for the same alloy. Examples of soft states are O, H12, or H22, while hard states include H18, H19, or H28.

Aludium can create almost any combination of properties required for a wide range of applications.

How we can help you

  • World-class production facilities.
  • Continuous innovation in processes and products with local and dedicated R&D
  • Technical and commercial customer support
  • Shipping worldwide from plants in Europe

Surface state

Surface condition

The surface condition of Aludium products depends on the application for which it is used or the level of transformation that the customer is going to apply. Almost any surface condition is possible including:

  • Glossy or matte appearance
  • Lamination finish
  • Lubricated or degreased
  • Bare (manufactured as is) or protected
  • Topographic variations

The state of Aludium’s finished materials can be classified as follows:

    < li> Quality for painting: the aluminum, after being cold rolled, is supplied in a bare state to undergo a painting process. Finished metal can be offered as is (lubricated) or degreased.
  • Anodizable quality: includes all products with good response to the anodizing process. Anodizing requires specific alloys and special production processes to obtain the best surface finish, free of defects. Defects in the metal will intensify in the anodizing process.
  • PE-anodized quality: metal anodized by a third party that is delivered to the end customer.

How we can help you

  • World-class production facilities.
  • Continuous innovation in processes and products with local and dedicated R&D
  • Technical and commercial customer support
  • Shipping worldwide from plants in Europe

Surface Quality

Aludium produces metal with the surface finish specified by the customer. Almost any option is possible from variations in roughness and gloss appearance in the lamination finish, to very sharp surface patterns (directional or isotropic).

Our Decorandum grades D10, D30 or D50 are offered with finishes that simulate stainless steel substrates. Other types of finishes can be:

  • Traces or lamination backgrounds modified on request
  • Textured finishes.
  • Diffuse appearance by shot blasting for a more appearance isotropic.

Aludium can produce metal with any other surface pattern that can be etched onto the work rolls to provide custom aluminum surfaces. This includes anti-copy effects, special designs or watermarks.

All of our surface finishes are appreciated for their uniform appearance. Our gloss, fine gloss, and high gloss finishes have specular gloss values ​​from 70 to 85%. Our products meet the most demanding requirements for surface treatments including anodizing, gloss, brushing, lacquering, laser engraving, lithography or screen printing.

Surface finish Industrial gloss Gloss Commercial gloss Fine gloss High Gloss Semi specular
Specular gloss * 45% 70% 65% 75% 75% 50%


* Minimum according to DIN 67530, ASTM D523 and ISO2813 standards. Measured at 20º with a reflectometer in the rolling direction. These values ​​show the minimum gloss guaranteed on bare samples in the hard state. They may vary depending on the alloy, condition and dimensions.

How we can help you

  • World-class production facilities.
  • Continuous innovation in processes and products with local and dedicated R&D
  • Technical and commercial customer support
  • Shipping worldwide from plants in Europe

Transformation

In addition to the surface finish and the high reflectivity obtained, many applications such as cosmetic packaging and reflectors demand material with optimized mechanical characteristics. Aludium supplies aluminum alloys with the metallurgical structure and mechanical characteristics required to optimally respond to our clients’ transformation processes. These can include light forming, deep drawing, and embossing.

How we can help you

  • World-class production facilities.
  • Continuous innovation in processes and products with local and dedicated R&D
  • Technical and commercial customer support
  • Shipping worldwide from plants in Europe

International standards

Standards that we comply with

  • En 485-1 Aluminum and Aluminum alloys. Plates, Bands and Plates. Part 1 technical conditions for inspection and delivery.
  • EN 485-2 Aluminum and aluminum alloy. Plates, Bands and Plates. Part 2 mechanical characteristics.
  • EN 485-3 Aluminum and aluminum alloys. Plates, Bands and Plates. Part 3 dimensional and shape tolerances for hot rolled products.
  • EN 485-4 Aluminum and Aluminum alloys. Plates, Bands and Plates. Part 4 dimensional and shape tolerances for cold rolled products.
  • EN 515 Aluminum and Aluminum alloys. Plates, Bands and Plates. Forging products. State designations.
  • EN 541 Aluminum and aluminum alloys. Laminated products for cans, caps and lids. Specifications.
  • EN 546-1 Aluminum and Aluminum alloys. Thin blade. Part 1-Technical conditions for inspection and delivery.
  • EN 546-2 Aluminum and Aluminum alloys. Thin blade. Part 2-Mechanical characteristics.
  • EN 546-3 Aluminum and Aluminum alloys. Thin blade. Part 3- Dimensional tolerances
  • EN 546-4 Aluminum and Aluminum alloys. Thin blade. Part 4- Special property requirements.
  • EN 573-3 Aluminum and aluminum alloys. Chemical composition and form of forging products. Part 3- Chemical composition and form of products.
  • EN 602. Aluminum and aluminum alloys. Forging products. Chemical composition of semi-finished products for the manufacture of articles intended to be in contact with food.
  • EN 683-1 Aluminum and aluminum alloys. Fins Part 1- Technical conditions for inspection and delivery.
  • EN 683-2 Aluminum and aluminum alloys. Fins Part 2- Mechanical characteristics.
  • EN 683-3 Aluminum and aluminum alloys. Fins Tolerances in dimensions
  • EN 1386 Aluminum and Aluminum alloys. Non-slip plate.
  • ISO 9001, 14001, 15088, 17025, FDA, CONEG, European Directive 94/62 / EC, EC standard No. 1935/2004, etc …

How we can help you

  • World-class production facilities.
  • Continuous innovation in processes and products with local and dedicated R&D
  • Technical and commercial customer support
  • Shipping worldwide from plants in Europe

Packaging

Aludium can deliver our products with surface protection such as interleaved cardboard or plastic, adapting to customer needs. The products are delivered stacked vertically and horizontally on pallets or boxes.

There are several options:

  • A coil on a pallet (horizontally or vertically)
  • Two or more coils on a pallet (vertically with interleaved cardboard)
  • Coils for painting (with or without cardboard core)
  • Cold rolled sheets (stacked with or without interleaved cardboard).

Our most common standard cores are:

  • Cardboard: 10 or 15 mm thick
  • Steel: length 150 mm, thickness 3 mm.

How we can help you

  • World-class production facilities.
  • Continuous innovation in processes and products with local and dedicated R&D
  • Technical and commercial customer support
  • Shipping worldwide from plants in Europe