HXM supplies 1xxx, 3xxx, 5xxx, 6xxx and 8xxx series aluminum coil in thickness 0.15–6.0 mm, widths up to 2,650 mm, in O through H38 tempers, with mill finish, color-coated (PE/PVDF), anodized or embossed surfaces. MOQ 500 kg per size, lead time 7–20 days, EN 10204 3.1 mill certificates with every shipment, quotes within 12 hours.
⚡ Quick Answer
Aluminum coil is a semi-finished rolled product wound into a roll, typically 0.15–6.0 mm thick and up to 2,650 mm wide. Choose 1100 for conductivity and formability, 3003/3004/3105 for general fabrication and HVAC, 5052 when strength or marine exposure matters, 6061 for structural use after heat treatment, and 8011 for foil and flexible packaging. Master coils weigh 2–8 t; slit coils down to 20 mm width. See our full coil product range →
Key Takeaways
- Alloy first, temper second. The alloy series decides the property ceiling; the temper only tunes strength vs formability within it. Wrong alloy cannot be fixed by heat treatment (except 6xxx).
- 1xxx/3xxx/8xxx for formability & cost, 5xxx for strength, 6xxx for structure. 5052 coil delivers ~2× the strength of 3003 at only a modest price premium.
- Temper letters: O = fully soft, H1x = strain-hardened only, H2x = strain-hardened + partially annealed, H3x = strain-hardened + stabilized. The second digit (1–9) scales strength.
- Standard coil stock: thickness 0.15–6.0 mm, master-coil width up to 2,650 mm, slit width from 20 mm, ID 505 mm (paper core), OD up to 1,800 mm.
- Weight math: kg = thickness(mm) × width(mm) × length(m) × 2.71 ÷ 1000. A 0.8 × 1,000 mm coil at OD 1,200/ID 505 holds ≈ 1,163 m and ≈ 2.5 t.
- Request EN 10204 3.1 certificates and agree tolerance class (ASTM B209 or EN 485) before placing the order — retrofitting precision later is impossible.
1. What Is Aluminum Coil?
Aluminum coil is a flat-rolled aluminum product wound into a continuous roll around a core. It sits between the casting stage and most end products: a rolling mill reduces cast slab or continuous-cast strip into long, uniform gauge material, and the coiler winds kilometres of it into a dense spiral. Downstream, that coil is either used directly (roofing, gutter, jacketing) or converted into sheet, strip, blanked circles, foil, or formed profiles.
Three terms define the product you buy:
- Master coil (mill coil) — the full-width roll straight from the hot/cold rolling mill, up to 2,650 mm wide and 2–8 t per coil. Cheapest per tonne, but requires slitting or blanking on your side.
- Slit coil — master coil lengthwise cut into narrower widths (from 20 mm up) on a slitting line. This is the format most fabricators and roll formers buy.
- Sheet vs coil boundary — the same alloy and gauge, but cut into flat rectangles instead of wound. Anything you need in continuous length, or want to feed into a roll former, uncoiler, or tube mill, stays in coil.
For the related forms, see our guides on aluminum strip (very narrow slit coil), aluminum sheet (flat-cut plate/sheet), and aluminum foil (below 0.2 mm).
2. How Aluminum Coil Is Made: Casting, Rolling, Slitting
Two production routes dominate. Knowing which one your supplier uses tells you a lot about surface quality, gauge range, and price:
- DC (Direct Chill) casting → hot rolling → cold rolling. Large ingots are cast, scalped, pre-heated, hot-rolled to ~2–6 mm transfer gauge, then cold-rolled to final thickness. Best surface, widest alloy and temper range, tightest tolerances — and the route all 5xxx/6xxx structural coil must take.
- CC (Continuous Casting) → rolling. Molten metal is cast directly into ~6–10 mm strip between cooled rolls, then hot-rolled in-line. Fewer passes, lower cost, fine for 1xxx/3xxx/8xxx gauges above ~0.3 mm, but narrower alloy range and slightly less uniform grain structure.
| Stage | DC + Hot/Cold Rolling | Continuous Casting (CC) |
|---|---|---|
| Typical alloys | 1xxx–7xxx (incl. 5xxx, 6xxx) | 1xxx, 3xxx, 8xxx mostly |
| Thickness range | 0.15–6.0 mm coil | 0.3–6.0 mm coil |
| Surface quality | Best (scalped + ground rolls) | Good |
| Gauge tolerance | ±1–2% of thickness achievable | ±3–5% typical |
| Cost position | Higher | Lower (fewer passes) |
| Best for | Structural, marine, anodized, tight-tolerance | Construction coil, foil stock, commodity |
After rolling, the strip passes through annealing (to reach O or H2x tempers), stretcher levelling / tension levelling (flatness), slitting (width), packing (eye-to-sky or eye-to-wall on wooden cradles), and — if specified — coating or anodizing lines. Each step is a quality gate; skip one and the defect shows up on your roll former three weeks later.
3. Aluminum Coil by Alloy Series: 1xxx / 3xxx / 5xxx / 6xxx / 8xxx
The four-digit alloy code is the single most important spec decision. The first digit tells you the main alloying family and, roughly, the property character:
| Series | Main alloying elements | Character | Typical coil alloys | Typical uses |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1xxx (≥99% Al) | — | Excellent formability, corrosion resistance, conductivity; low strength | 1050, 1060, 1100 | Electrical, chemical equipment, reflectors, nameplate |
| 3xxx (Al-Mn) | Mn 1.0–1.5% | Good formability + 20% stronger than 1xxx; weldable; kitchen & weather safe | 3003, 3004, 3105 | HVAC, roofing, cookware, potted heat exchangers, gutters |
| 5xxx (Al-Mg) | Mg 0.8–5.5% | Highest strength of the non-heat-treatable series; marine-grade corrosion; weldable | 5005, 5052, 5083 | Marine, transport, pressure vessels, facade cladding |
| 6xxx (Al-Mg-Si) | Mg + Si | Heat-treatable to T4/T6; structural strength; needs forming before ageing | 6061, 6063 (coil rarer) | Structural panels, automotive, machined parts |
| 8xxx (other) | Fe + Si, or Li/Zn systems | Foil-grade, deep drawing; high strength in thin gauges | 8011, 8021, 8079 | Household foil, pharmaceutical blister, battery foil, cable wrap |
For a trade-off view between the two workhorse alloys, read our 3003 vs 5052 comparison; for the marine end of the 5xxx family see the 5083 marine grade guide; for the heat-treatable 6xxx details see 6061-T6 properties. Product pages: 3003 coil, 5052 coil, 5083 coil, 6061 coil, 7005 coil.
4. Chemical Composition of Common Coil Alloys (ASTM B209 / EN 573)
Composition limits (% max unless shown as a range; Al = balance):
| Alloy | Si | Fe | Cu | Mn | Mg | Cr | Zn | Others |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1050 | 0.25 | 0.40 | 0.05 | 0.05 | 0.05 | 0.05 | 0.05 | Al ≥ 99.50% |
| 1060 | 0.25 | 0.35 | 0.05 | 0.03 | 0.03 | 0.05 | 0.05 | Al ≥ 99.60% |
| 1100 | 0.95 (Si+Fe) | — | 0.05–0.20 | 0.05 | 0.05 | 0.05 | 0.10 | Al ≥ 99.00% |
| 3003 | 0.60 | 0.70 | 0.05–0.20 | 1.00–1.50 | 0.10 | 0.10 | 0.10 | Ti 0.05 |
| 3004 | 0.30 | 0.70 | 0.25 | 1.00–1.50 | 0.80–1.30 | 0.10 | 0.25 | Ti 0.05 |
| 3105 | 0.60 | 0.70 | 0.30 | 0.30–0.80 | 0.20–0.80 | 0.20 | 0.40 | Ti 0.10 |
| 5005 | 0.30 | 0.70 | 0.20 | 0.20 | 0.50–1.10 | 0.10 | 0.25 | Ti 0.05 |
| 5052 | 0.25 | 0.40 | 0.10 | 0.10 | 2.20–2.80 | 0.15–0.35 | 0.10 | Ti 0.05 |
| 5083 | 0.40 | 0.40 | 0.10 | 0.40–1.00 | 4.00–4.90 | 0.05–0.25 | 0.25 | Ti 0.15 |
| 6061 | 0.40–0.80 | 0.70 | 0.15–0.40 | 0.15 | 0.80–1.20 | 0.04–0.35 | 0.25 | Ti 0.15 |
| 8011 | 0.50–0.90 | 0.60–1.00 | 0.10 | 0.20 | 0.05 | 0.05 | 0.10 | Ti 0.08 |
Why Fe/Si limits matter: excess iron forms coarse intermetallic needles that reduce deep-drawing quality and anodized surface uniformity. If you buy coil for anodizing or high-gloss finish, specify anodizing quality (low Fe, controlled grain) even at a small premium — otherwise you accept streaks and matte patches.
5. Mechanical Properties by Temper (ASTM B209 typical ranges)
Tensile strength (UTS, MPa), yield strength (YS, MPa) and elongation (%, 50 mm gauge). Exact values depend on gauge — always confirm against the mill certificate:
| Alloy-Temper | UTS (MPa) | YS (MPa) | Elong. (%) | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1100-O | 75–105 | ≥ 25 | 25–35 | Deep drawing, spinning |
| 1100-H14 | 110–145 | ≥ 95 | 3–8 | Nameplate, reflector |
| 3003-O | 110–165 | ≥ 40 | 18–30 | Pots, pans, HVAC forming |
| 3003-H14 | 140–200 | ≥ 115 | 2–8 | Ducting, general sheet |
| 3003-H18 | ≥ 200 | ≥ 170 | 1–4 | Rigid formed parts |
| 3004-O | 150–200 | ≥ 60 | 14–22 | Can stock, deep drawn |
| 3105-H24 | 195–245 | ≥ 150 | 2–7 | Roofing, siding panels |
| 5005-H34 | 160–210 | ≥ 130 | 3–8 | Anodized facade |
| 5052-O | 170–215 | ≥ 65 | 15–25 | Marine, deep drawing |
| 5052-H32 | 215–265 | ≥ 160 | 7–14 | Truck bodies, brackets |
| 5052-H34 | 235–285 | ≥ 180 | 6–12 | General structural |
| 5052-H38 | ≥ 270 | ≥ 220 | 3–8 | Spring-temp parts |
| 5083-O | 275–350 | ≥ 125 | 14–20 | Marine, cryogenic |
| 6061-O | 110–150 | ≤ 70 | 16–22 | Forming before T6 |
| 6061-T4 | ≥ 205 | ≥ 110 | 14–16 | Formed then aged |
| 6061-T6 | ≥ 290 | ≥ 240 | 6–10 | Structural coil product |
| 8011-O | 80–120 | ≥ 30 | 15–30 | Foil, flexible packaging |
| 8011-H18 | ≥ 160 | ≥ 140 | 1–3 | Rigid foil container |
Reading the table: as the H-tempper number rises (O → H12 → H14 → H16 → H18), strength climbs roughly 25–40 MPa per step and elongation falls. If your process involves bending, deep drawing or spinning, stay at O or H2x tempers; for flat, rigid panels, H14–H24 give dimensional stability; for spring-back resistance or high-strength roll forming, H32/H34 in 5xxx is the sweet spot. Our aluminum bending guide covers minimum bend radii per alloy/temper.
6. Aluminum Coil Tempers Explained: O, H12–H38, T4/T6
Temper is the heat-treatment / strain-hardening state. It is what turns one alloy into a whole family of properties:
| Temper | Meaning | Strength | Formability | Typical coil use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| O | Fully annealed (softest) | Lowest | Best | Deep drawing, spinning, tube making |
| H12 / H22 | Strain-hardened (H22 also partially annealed) | Low-mid | Good | Light forming, gutters |
| H14 / H24 | Half-hard | Mid | Moderate | General sheet, ducting |
| H16 / H26 | Three-quarter hard | Mid-high | Limited | Rigid panels, cladding |
| H18 / H28 | Full hard | Highest (non-heat-treatable) | Poor | Profile rolling, rigid containers |
| H32 / H34 / H36 / H38 | Strain-hardened + stabilized (mainly 5xxx) | Mid–high | Mid | Marine, transport, structural |
| T4 | Solution-treated + naturally aged (6xxx) | Mid | Good before ageing | Formed then aged to T6 |
| T6 | Solution-treated + artificially aged (6xxx) | High | Poor (must form first) | Structural, automotive |
H2x vs H1x: same nominal strength, but H2x has better formability and a slightly different surface texture because it is partially annealed after hardening. If your parts bend or draw — ask for H22/H24 rather than H12/H14 at the same strength level.
7. Thickness, Width & Tolerance Standards
HXM coil stock covers 0.15–6.0 mm thickness and master widths up to 2,650 mm, with slitting down to 20 mm width. Standard core ID is 505 mm (paper core); OD is typically 1,000–1,800 mm depending on gauge and alloy.
| Thickness (mm) | Typical tolerance (ASTM B209 / EN 485) | Common alloys | Typical end use |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0.15–0.25 | ±0.02 | 8011, 1060, 3003 | Foil, flexible duct, cable wrap |
| 0.25–0.40 | ±0.03 | 3003, 3105, 8011 | Gutter, flashing, fin stock |
| 0.40–0.60 | ±0.04 | 3003, 3004, 5052 | HVAC duct, insulation jacketing |
| 0.60–1.00 | ±0.05 | 3003, 3105, 5052, 6061 | Roofing, cladding, roll forming |
| 1.00–1.50 | ±0.06 | 5052, 5083, 6061 | Truck bodies, marine, tank lining |
| 1.50–2.00 | ±0.08 | 5052, 5083, 6061 | Structural panels, brackets |
| 2.00–3.00 | ±0.10 | 5052, 5083, 6061 | Heavy transport, pressure parts |
| 3.00–4.00 | ±0.15 | 5083, 6061 | Marine plate equivalent |
| 4.00–6.00 | ±0.20 | 5083, 6061 | Heavy structural coil |
| Dimension | Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Master coil width | up to 2,650 mm | Wider = fewer welds per tonne |
| Slit coil width | 20 – 2,650 mm | Width tolerance ±0.5 mm standard; ±0.2 mm on request |
| Core ID | 505 mm standard | 200/305/76 mm on request |
| Coil OD | up to 1,800 mm | OD affects uncoiler size and freight volume |
| Coil weight | 20 kg – 8 t | Master 2–8 t; slit 50 kg – 2 t typical |
| Flatness (I-unit) | ≤ 10 I standard | Tension-levelling available for critical roll forming |
8. Surface Finishes & Coatings for Aluminum Coil
Surface is where most of the value-added margin — and most of the warranty risk — lives. Choose by environment, bending requirement, and budget:
| Finish | Process | Life / warranty | Cost index | Best applications |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mill finish | As-rolled | Indoor only / dry | 1.0× | Base material, further processing |
| Anodized coil | Electrolytic oxide 5–20 µm | 20+ yr outdoor | 2.5–3.5× | Facade, trim, high-end consumer |
| PE coated | Polyester 15–25 µm | 8–12 yr | 1.4–1.8× | Indoor panels, ceilings, appliances |
| PVDF coated (70%) | Polyvinylidene fluoride 25–30 µm | 20–25 yr | 2.0–2.8× | Curtain walls, roofing, coastal |
| Embossed / stucco | Embossing rollers | Same as base | 1.2–1.5× | Insulation jacketing (hides minor dent) |
| Mirror / bright | Polished + clear lacquer | Indoor/outdoor with care | 2–3× | Reflectors, lighting, decorative |
| Brushed / hairline | Mechanical brushing | With lacquer 10 yr | 1.8–2.5× | Consumer electronics, elevator |
| Prepainted + film | Coil coat + PE protective film | As base + scratch-safe transit | +0.1× | Any visible panel |
Our full process breakdown lives in the aluminum surface treatment guide and the aluminum anodizing guide. For spec sheet of a coated coil RFQ, always state: coating type + thickness (µm), gloss level (GU), RAL color, primer (epoxy/polyurethane), reverse-side coating (backer), and protective film thickness (50–100 µm).
9. Aluminum Coil Applications by Industry
Because coil is continuous, it wins wherever long lengths, high volume, or roll forming is involved. Match the industry to the alloy and finish:
| Industry / Application | Common alloys | Typical temper | Recommended finish | Thickness (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Roofing & cladding | 3105, 3004, 3003 | H24-H26 | PVDF or anodized | 0.6–1.2 |
| Gutter & downpipe | 3105, 3003 | H24 | PE / PVDF | 0.5–0.8 |
| HVAC ducting | 3003, 1060 | O-H14 | Mill / PE | 0.4–1.0 |
| Insulation jacketing | 1060, 3003 | H14-H16 | Embossed stucco or PVDF | 0.4–0.8 |
| Food packaging / foil containers | 8011, 3003 | O-H18 | Mill / food-grade lacquer | 0.03–0.20 |
| Fin stock (heat exchanger) | 1060, 3003, 8011 | O-H14 | Mill, hydrophilic optional | 0.08–0.16 |
| Cable tray / busbar | 1060, 1100, 6061 | O-H14 | Mill | 0.8–2.0 |
| Truck body / trailer panels | 5052, 5083 | H32-H34 | Mill / coated | 1.5–3.0 |
| Marine & shipbuilding | 5052, 5083 | O-H32 | Mill / marine coating | 1.5–6.0 |
| Signage & nameplate | 1100, 5005 | H14-H34 | Anodized / brushed | 0.3–1.5 |
| Cookware & kitchenware | 3003, 3004 | O-H14 | Mill / non-stick ready | 0.5–2.0 |
| Battery / electronics shell | 3003, 8011, 5052 | O-H24 | Mill / coated | 0.1–1.0 |
10. Coil vs Sheet vs Strip vs Foil: Key Differences
Same alloy, different form. The boundaries are practical, not chemical:
| Form | Thickness range | Width / shape | Best for | Why buy this form |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coil | 0.15–6.0 mm | Wound roll, 20–2,650 mm wide | Roll forming, tube mills, continuous processes | No welding between blanks, high-volume feed |
| Sheet | 0.2–6.0 mm | Flat rectangle, typically 1,000 × 2,000 mm | Manual fabrication, bending, welding | Ready to use, no uncoiler needed |
| Strip | 0.05–3.0 mm | Narrow roll, usually < 300 mm wide | Stamping, spring, precision components | Width-matched to progressive dies |
| Foil | 0.006–0.2 mm | Very thin roll, up to 1,850 mm | Packaging, insulation, capacitors | Barrier properties, extreme flexibility |
Rule of thumb: if your process is continuous — buy coil. If your process is batch or hand-fed — buy sheet. If it’s a progressive die — buy strip. Our aluminum strip guide and aluminum foil industry guide cover the narrow and thin ends in depth.
11. Which Alloy Should You Order? Selection Matrix
Answer four questions: strength needed? forming needed? environment? budget ceiling? The matrix below collapses the common cases:
| Your situation | Best coil alloy | Temper | Why |
|---|---|---|---|
| General fabrication, low cost, indoor | 3003 | O / H14 | Best price/formability balance, welds cleanly |
| Roofing, cladding, outdoor structural | 3105 or 3004 | H24-H26 | Painted-coil economics, weathering |
| Gutter, downpipe, flashing | 3105 | H24 | Formability + paint adhesion |
| HVAC duct & fin stock | 1060 / 3003 | O / H14 | Deep drawing, thermal conductivity |
| Insulation jacketing (roll wrap) | 1060 / 3003 | H14-H16 | Embossed surface hides dents |
| Marine / coastal / chemical | 5052 (or 5083) | O / H32 | Mg gives seawater pitting resistance |
| Truck body, trailer, bracket | 5052 | H32-H34 | 2× the strength of 3003, still weldable |
| Cryogenic tank / LNG lining | 5083 | O | Retains ductility at −196 °C |
| Structural panel or machined from coil | 6061 | O then T6 | Heat-treatable strength ceiling |
| Deep-draw can / battery shell | 3004 / 8011 | O / H18 | Earing control, earing-free rolling |
| Electrical / reflective | 1050 / 1060 | O / H14 | ≥ 99.5% Al, conductivity ~62% IACS |
Still unsure between 3003 and 5052? The deciding question is always “does it carry load or touch salt water?” — if yes, pay the 5052 premium. Our 3003 vs 5052 article walks through the full trade-off.
12. Coil Weight & Length: Formulas + Worked Examples
Every RFQ should state the coil weight or length you need — it drives freight, minimum order quantity, and uncoiler compatibility. Two formulas cover it:
Coil length (m) = π × (OD² − ID²) ÷ (4 × t) ÷ 1000 (all dimensions in mm, t = thickness)
Coil weight (kg) = length(m) × width(mm) × t(mm) × 2.71 ÷ 1000 (density 2.71 g/cm³)
| Example | Alloy / size | Length on coil | Coil weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Insulation jacketing roll | 3003, 0.5 × 1,000 mm, OD 1,200 / ID 505 | ≈ 1,861 m | ≈ 2,520 kg |
| Standard HVAC coil | 3003, 0.8 × 1,000 mm, OD 1,200 / ID 505 | ≈ 1,163 m | ≈ 2,522 kg |
| Roofing coil, full size | 3105, 0.7 × 1,220 mm, OD 1,500 / ID 505 | ≈ 3,289 m | ≈ 7,598 kg |
| Narrow slit roll | 5052, 1.5 × 100 mm, OD 800 / ID 505 | ≈ 235 m | ≈ 96 kg |
Tip: always give us either total length or total weight, plus OD/ID limits from your uncoiler. We slit to match so the coil drops straight onto your machine.
13. Quality Standards & Certification for Aluminum Coil
| Standard | Scope | Typical requirement |
|---|---|---|
| ASTM B209 / B209M | Sheet & plate (US) | Composition + mechanical + tolerance class |
| EN 485-1/2/4 | Sheet, strip & plate (EU) | Composition, mechanical, tolerances |
| EN 573-3 | Chemical composition | Alloy designation |
| JIS H4000 | Sheet & strip (Japan) | Composition + mechanical |
| GB/T 3880 | Sheet & strip (China) | Composition + mechanical + tolerances |
| EN 10204 3.1 | Inspection document | Mill certificate with actual heat results |
| EN 10204 3.2 | Third-party witnessed | For pressure / marine projects |
| RoHS / REACH | Restricted substances | For EU-bound consumer goods |
| FDA / LFGB | Food contact | For packaging, cookware coil |
Always ask for EN 10204 3.1 — it binds the certificate to the actual melting heat and rolling batch, so a dispute can be traced back to the exact coil. For marine or pressure vessel projects, insist on 3.2 (third-party witnessed) and specify the class society (DNV, ABS, CCS).
14. Common Aluminum Coil Defects and How to Avoid Them
| Defect | What it looks like | Root cause | Prevention / spec to ask |
|---|---|---|---|
| Edge wave | Wavy strip edges after uncoiling | Uneven rolling or bad tension profile | Tension levelling; specify flatness ≤ 10 I |
| Coil set / crossbow | Coil stays curved when unrolled | Residual stress from winding | Stretcher levelling; anneal to O/H2x |
| Camber | Strip curves sideways | Uneven width reduction in slitting | Camber ≤ 1 mm/m spec |
| Oil stains / burn marks | Dark patches, sticky surface | Rolling-oil residue not degreased | Degreasing + cleaning line pass |
| Scratches / brush marks | Long lines along rolling direction | Dirty guide rolls, packing damage | Interleaving paper; film protection |
| Coil telescope | Inner/outer wraps misaligned | Winding tension too low or erratic | Tight-wind spec; steel strapping |
| Blister / delamination | Bubbles under surface | Gas in DC ingot or trapped rolling oil | Homogenizing + proper scalping |
| Orange-peel (after forming) | Rough grainy surface when stretched | Coarse grain from over-annealing | Grain-size spec (ASTM E112) |
Most defects are preventable at order time, not at inspection time. Writing flatness, camber, degreasing and packing requirements into the PO costs nothing; discovering telescope or edge wave on your uncoiler costs a week.
15. Aluminum Coil Price: What Drives Cost and How to Compare Quotes
Coil pricing has three building blocks. When you compare quotes, decompose them — otherwise you’re comparing apples to oranges:
| Cost component | What it covers | Volatility |
|---|---|---|
| LME aluminium + premium | Metal itself; Shanghai/LME fix + regional delivery premium | Daily — the dominant driver |
| Conversion (fabrication) fee | Rolling, annealing, slitting, finishing per tonne | Stable per product family |
| Surface treatment | Anodizing / coating / embossing add-on | Stable; scales with line speed |
| Packing & freight | Wooden cradle, moisture barrier, sea freight | Monthly |
| Certification / inspection | 3.1 certificate standard; 3.2 or third-party extra | Per order |
Indicative FOB China ranges (USD/tonne, coated coil at the high end, mill finish at the low end): 1xxx 2,600–3,400 · 3xxx 2,900–3,800 · 5xxx 3,400–4,600 · 6xxx 3,300–4,500 · coated/colour coil add 300–1,200. Actual price follows LME at order date — for a firm number, request a quote with the LME reference date written in.
⚠️ Red flags in quotes: price without LME reference date; “Chinese standard” alloy with no equivalent ASTM/EN number; no EN 10204 certificate; MOQ below 500 kg (usually means trading house, not mill). Ask these four questions before comparing prices.
16. How to Order: 9-Point RFQ Checklist for Aluminum Coil
Send this with your enquiry and you’ll get an accurate quote in one round — not three:
- Alloy + temper — e.g. 3003-H14 or 5052-H32; if unsure, describe the application.
- Thickness + tolerance class — nominal mm and standard (ASTM B209 or EN 485).
- Width — master or slit; slit tolerance (±0.5 mm standard).
- Surface — mill / PE / PVDF / anodized / embossed; RAL color if coated.
- Coil geometry — ID (505 mm standard), max OD your uncoiler accepts, target weight per coil.
- Quantity — total tonnes; note that MOQ is 500 kg per size at HXM.
- Certificates — EN 10204 3.1 standard; 3.2 or class society witness if required.
- Standards — ASTM B209 / EN 485 / JIS H4000 / GB/T 3880.
- Delivery terms — FOB / CIF / DDP, destination port, target shipment date.
Attachments that speed things up: a drawing of the finished part, the roll-forming line spec, or a photo of the product you’re replacing.
17. Packaging, Shipping & Lead Times
Coil damage in transit is entirely preventable with the right packing spec. Our export standard:
| Packing element | Spec | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Wooden cradle / pallet | ISPM-15 fumigated, eye-to-sky or eye-to-wall | Keeps coil off the container floor, absorbs shock |
| Moisture barrier | VCI paper + PE film + desiccant | Prevents white rust / water staining |
| Steel strapping | 4–6 straps through core or around OD | Prevents telescope during handling |
| Interleaving paper | Between wraps for bright/anodized | Scratch prevention on visible surfaces |
| Protective PE film | 50–100 µm on coated coil | Removes cleanly, protects finish |
| Edge protection | Cardboard or steel rings | Slit coil edges dent easily |
| Order size | Lead time (ex-works) | Sea transit examples |
|---|---|---|
| ≤ 5 t (stock items) | 7–10 days | Shanghai→LA 15 d · →Hamburg 32 d · →Jebel Ali 22 d |
| 5–20 t | 10–15 days | — |
| > 20 t / coated or anodized | 15–20 days | — |
| Custom alloy / temper | 20–30 days | — |
18. Coil Storage, Handling & Shelf Life
Coil that arrives perfect can still be ruined in your warehouse. Four rules prevent almost all storage damage:
- Keep it dry and temperature-stable. Condensation is the #1 killer — when cold coil meets warm humid air, water films form within minutes and white rust follows within days. Store indoors, off the floor, away from doorways.
- Rotate first-in-first-out. Even mill-finish coil slowly oxidizes; bright/anodized surfaces are time-sensitive.
- Handle horizontally, lift through the core. Eye-through lifting bars only; never lift with slings around the OD — it dents wraps and telescopes the coil.
- Leave film on until forming. Protective PE film stays on through storage and shipping to your press; remove only at the machine.
| Condition | Mill finish coil | Coated / anodized coil |
|---|---|---|
| Indoor, dry, 10–35 °C | 12–24 months | 24–48 months |
| Outdoor under cover | 1–3 months (surface oxidation begins) | 6–12 months |
| Direct outdoor exposure | Not acceptable | Not acceptable (unprotect film degrades) |
| Humidity > 70% | Use desiccant + vapor barrier | Same |
19. Why Source Aluminum Coil from HXM
| Capability | Detail |
|---|---|
| Alloy range | 1050–1100, 3003–3105, 5005–5083, 6061, 8011 (DC + CC routes) |
| Thickness range | 0.15 – 6.0 mm |
| Master width | up to 2,650 mm; slitting from 20 mm |
| Surface options | Mill, PE, PVDF, anodized, embossed/stucco, mirror, brushed |
| Certificates | EN 10204 3.1 standard; 3.2 / third-party on request |
| MOQ | 500 kg per size for stock alloys; 1 t for custom |
| Lead time | 7–20 days typical; 24 h for urgent stock |
| Quote turnaround | within 12 hours, LME-referenced |
| Quality gates | Composition spectrometry, tensile testing, flatness/camber check, surface inspection before packing |
| Export experience | 30+ countries; seaworthy ISPM-15 packing; full container or LCL |
HXM is the coil supplier behind a wide product portfolio — see the full aluminum coil range, plus our sheet, strip, circle and perforated sheet lines for converted formats.
20. Frequently Asked Questions about Aluminum Coil
What thickness range is available for aluminum coil?
HXM supplies 0.15–6.0 mm. Below 0.2 mm the material is usually called foil; above 6 mm it’s typically supplied as plate or cut sheet. Most construction and HVAC work sits between 0.4 and 1.5 mm.
What is the difference between master coil and slit coil?
Master coil comes straight off the rolling mill at full width (up to 2,650 mm) and 2–8 t weight. Slit coil has been lengthwise cut into narrower widths on a slitting line — from 20 mm up — and typically weighs 50 kg–2 t. Most fabricators buy slit coil matched to their feed width.
Which aluminum coil alloy is best for outdoor roofing?
3105-H24 or 3004-H26 with PVDF coating is the industry standard — good paint adhesion, weather resistance and formability at roll-forming line speed. In coastal or industrial atmospheres, specify PVDF (not PE) for 20+ year service.
Can I get 5052 coil for marine applications?
Yes. 5052-O or 5052-H32 is the workhorse for marine panels, hulls and tanks. For thicker structural marine plate above 6 mm, 5083 is the usual choice. See our 5083 marine guide for the full corrosion and class-society picture.
What's the difference between H14 and H24 temper?
Same nominal strength, different route: H14 is strain-hardened only; H24 is strain-hardened then partially annealed. H24 bends and forms better at the same hardness, so choose it whenever your process includes bending or drawing.
What is the standard coil ID and OD?
Standard core ID is 505 mm (paper core); 200, 305 and 76 mm are available on request. Coil OD runs 1,000–1,800 mm depending on gauge and alloy — always tell us your uncoiler’s max OD so we slit accordingly.
How do I calculate the weight of an aluminum coil?
Weight (kg) = length(m) × width(mm) × thickness(mm) × 2.71 ÷ 1000. For a wound coil, first get length = π × (OD² − ID²) ÷ (4 × thickness) ÷ 1000, all in mm. Section 12 above has four worked examples.
What does MOQ mean for coil orders?
HXM’s minimum order is 500 kg per size for stock alloys (3003, 5052, 3105, 8011 etc.) and 1 tonne for custom sizes or tempers. Small trial orders are fine — we often ship 500–1,000 kg first articles for new customers.
What certificates come with the coil?
EN 10204 3.1 mill certificate is standard with every shipment — it ties composition and mechanical results to your actual melting heat. For marine, pressure or export-audit projects we also arrange 3.2 (third-party witnessed) or class-society inspection (DNV, ABS, CCS).
Can you supply color-coated (prepainted) coil in custom RAL colors?
Yes — PE and PVDF coating lines with standard and custom RAL matching, gloss 20–90 GU, primer epoxy or polyurethane, film thickness 15–30 µm topcoat plus backer. MOQ for custom color is typically 3–5 t per color to fill a coating batch.
Why did my coil get white powder / water stains in transit?
White powder is aluminium hydroxide — moisture got to the surface. Prevention is on the packing side: VCI paper + PE film + desiccant, coils packed dry, container lined, no temperature shock. Always photograph packing before unpacking so claims are traceable.
What's the difference between aluminum coil and aluminum sheet?
Same alloy, different form: coil is wound continuously, sheet is cut flat. Continuous processes (roll forming, tube mills, slitting, blanking) need coil; batch or hand-fed work is easier with sheet. Section 10 has the full comparison table.
Do you supply anodized coil or only anodizing-ready coil?
Both. We supply anodizing-quality coil (controlled Fe/grain) for customers who anodize in-house, and fully anodized coil in natural, black, bronze and other shades on dedicated anodizing lines. Anodized coil carries a 20+ year facade warranty.
How fast can you quote and ship?
Quotes within 12 hours (LME-referenced). Lead time: 7–10 days for stock items up to 5 t, 10–15 days for 5–20 t, 15–20 days for coated/anodized or large orders. Urgent stock can ship in 24 h.
Can I order a trial quantity before committing to a container?
Yes — many customers start with 500–1,000 kg of one or two sizes to qualify on their line, then scale to full containers. We keep the same heat/batch reference on follow-up orders where possible for consistency.
What information do I need to send for a quote?
Alloy + temper, thickness + tolerance, width, surface finish (RAL if coated), coil geometry (ID/OD/weight), quantity, certificates required, and destination port. Section 16 has the full 9-point checklist you can copy into your email.
21. Related HXM Guides
Continue with these in-depth guides — each covers one product family or process:
- 5083 Marine Grade Aluminum: Complete Guide — corrosion, H116/H321, class societies
- 3003 vs 5052 Aluminum — which workhorse alloy to pick
- 5052 vs 5083 Aluminum — 5xxx family decision
- Aluminum Strip: Complete Guide — narrow slit coil applications
- Aluminum Foil Industry Guide — below 0.2 mm
- Aluminum Bar & Rod: Complete Guide — extruded/rolled bar
- Aluminum Welding Guide — filler selection for 5xxx/6xxx
- Aluminum Corrosion Guide — pitting, galvanic, exfoliation
- Aluminum Bending Guide — minimum bend radius per temper
- Aluminum Surface Treatment Guide — anodizing, coating, polishing
- Aluminum Anodizing Guide — thickness classes and dye
- Aluminum Tube Wall Thickness & Pressure Rating
- 6061-T6 Aluminum: Properties & Uses
- Perforated Aluminum Guide — coil-fed perforation
- Aluminum Honeycomb Panel Guide — coil-based sandwich panels
Get Your Aluminum Coil Quote in 12 Hours
Send us the 9-point spec from Section 16 — or just tell us what you’re making. We’ll reply with a firm, LME-referenced quote, mill certificate samples and packing photos within 12 hours.
