Aluminum plate production process

The production process of aluminum sheet is a multi-step process, and each link is crucial to ensure the quality and performance of the final product. Here is a detailed overview of the aluminum sheet production process:

1. Preparation of raw materials

1. Aluminum ingot selection: According to the desired aluminum plate performance and use, select the suitable aluminum ingot as the raw material. These ingots may contain different alloying elements to provide the desired mechanical properties, corrosion resistance, or other properties.

2. Melting and casting: The selected aluminum ingots are heated in a melting furnace until they are melted. The molten aluminium is then cast into slabs or ingots by means of casting equipment. This process can be achieved by different casting methods, such as direct cooling casting (DC casting) or continuous casting.

hot rolling

1. Heating: The cast aluminum slab or flat ingot is fed into the heating furnace and heated to a temperature suitable for hot rolling. The heating temperature depends on the alloy composition of the aluminum plate and the desired properties.

2. Hot rolling: The heated aluminum slab is rolled many times in the hot rolling mill to gradually reduce the thickness and increase the length. During the hot rolling process, the internal microstructure of the aluminum sheet changes, such as grain refinement, which improves its mechanical properties.

3. Cold rolling (optional)

1. Preparation before cold rolling: If the thickness of the aluminum plate after hot rolling does not meet the requirements, or higher dimensional accuracy and surface finish are required, cold rolling can be carried out. Before cold rolling, the aluminum sheet needs to undergo the necessary pretreatment, such as pickling, alkali washing, or shot blasting cleaning, to remove oxides and contaminants from the surface. 2. Cold rolling: Cold rolling is carried out at room temperature, and the thickness of the aluminum plate is further reduced by multiple rolling. Cold rolling can increase the hardness and strength of aluminum sheets, but it can also reduce their ductility.

Fourth, heat treatment

1. Annealing: Cold-rolled aluminum sheets may need to be annealed to eliminate internal stresses, restore ductility, and stabilize the size. The annealing is carried out in a heating furnace, and the heating temperature and time depend on the alloy composition of the aluminum plate and the desired properties.

2. Aging treatment: For aluminum plates of some alloys, aging treatment can further improve their strength and hardness. The aging treatment is carried out under certain temperature and time conditions, so that the alloying elements inside the aluminum plate will diffuse and precipitate to form a strengthening phase.

5. Finishing and inspection

1. Cutting and trimming: The aluminum plate after hot rolling, cold rolling and heat treatment needs to be cut and trimmed according to the required size. This includes removing burrs, uneven parts, and any parts that don't meet the requirements.

2. Surface treatment: The surface of the aluminum plate can be treated in various ways, such as anodizing, electrophoretic coating, spraying, etc., to improve its corrosion resistance, decoration or functionality.

3. Quality inspection: Aluminum plate needs to go through multiple quality inspections in the production process, including chemical composition analysis, mechanical property testing, dimensional accuracy measurement and surface quality inspection. These inspections ensure that the aluminium sheet complies with the relevant standards and specifications.

6. Packaging and transportation

1. Packing: Aluminum sheets that have passed the quality inspection need to be properly packed to prevent damage during transportation and storage. Packaging materials may include wooden boxes, cartons, plastic film, etc.

2. Transportation: Aluminum sheets are usually transported in pallets, which can be transported to the destination by road, rail or sea. During transportation, it is necessary to pay attention to moisture, sun protection and collision prevention.

To sum up, the production process of aluminum plate is a complex and delicate process, involving multiple links and multiple technologies. Strict control of quality and process parameters is required at every stage to ensure that the quality and performance of the final product meet the requirements.