The starting material for the production of aluminium sheets are so-called aluminium ingots. These are pre-rolled into sheets or strips in several passes using a hot rolling mill. The subsequent production thickness is achieved by cold forming. The material is brought to the desired thickness at room temperature.
Similar to steel or stainless steel, aluminium sheets can also have different surfaces:
- untreated, natural
- brushed
- ground
- marbled/circular matt
- corrugated
- perforated
- anodised
- coated
In terms of processing, the sheets have the typical material advantages of aluminium. Aluminium is easy to stretch and can therefore be easily rolled into thin sheets. Aluminium sheets have good thermal and electrical properties. With the use of suitable machines, aluminium sheets can be easily bent. Precise drill holes, perforations or cuts are also possible without any problems. The low melting temperature of aluminium ensures that the material is also well suited for casting processes.
Aluminium sheets are also highly resistant to weathering. In combination with oxygen, a hard and resistant oxide layer forms, which protects the material from corrosion. Not least for this reason, aluminium sheets are virtually predestined for outdoor use.
