From first glance, one aluminium foil may look the same as the next. However, there can be some massive differences. For example, there are different alloys and tempers. It means the properties can vary significantly. On top of that, there are composites and laminates that look like solid material but actually feature several layers of materials. It can make it all quite tricky to decide what to use for a project. We want to help expand your knowledge here. Then, if you want sustainable foils, you can talk to us.
Alloys
To begin, always keep in mind that aluminium foil will always be some form of alloy. In fact, most aluminiums are alloys because the metal is very weak in pure form. It is also highly reactive and forms bonds easily.
Typically, aluminium foils will contain different levels of elements like silicon, zinc, chromium, copper, and iron. Their inclusion improves key characteristics such as strength and malleability. More importantly, because there are only small amounts of alloying elements, it does not usually have a big impact on the costs. It can affect availability though; some alloys are rarer.
Temper
It is also important to remember that aluminium foil can be soft, hard, or various levels in between. The hardness will determine things like deformability. That is crucial with many applications for sustainable foils.
Aluminium hardens when you work it. As a result, it happens naturally when you roll it to create different products, including thin foils. However, heating can then soften it again. A combination of rolling and heat will give you the hardness you want, including quarter, half, or three quarters hard.
Degreasing
Foils may also need to be degreased to remove any oil residue and other contaminants. The rolling operations can leave them behind on the products. Removal can be necessary to ensure they won’t cause problems with applying adhesive or lacquer.
The interesting thing here is the heating to make the aluminium softer can get rid of grease and some contaminants at the same time. It can save time and costs. There is also an option for chemical degreasing, washing it in a bath of solvent or alkaline.
Dimensions
One of the best things about sustainable foils is you can choose from a wide array of different thicknesses and widths. It is important to think about them for your applications. Crucially, ensure you are accurate to get the properties you need and minimal waste. While you can recycle offcuts of aluminium foil, it is better if you aren’t producing much waste at all.
Rolls
Most people are familiar with the fact you tend to buy aluminium as rolls; you’ve probably got a roll in your kitchen for cooking. It is easier to produce them, even gigantic reels, saving costs in the process.
A key thing to keep in mind is smaller rolls or reels of foil tend to be more expensive. It happens because of the production time; it takes longer to make a smaller roll or reel if you need to change equipment more often. Even if you take foil from a larger reel and cut it to get a specific width or length, the cost increases.
Talk to us about sustainable foils
Now you know a great deal more about aluminium foils. Make sure you think carefully when you are deciding what to use for different applications. Look at the alloy, temper, finish, dimensions, and roll or reel size.
If you need help, or specifically want some of the best sustainable foils in the world, you can speak to us. We’ve got a lot of experience, including using foil for packaging, decorative products, and many specialist applications. So, get in touch today.