Color-coated aluminum foil combines the advantages of lightweight, corrosion-resistant aluminum with an organic coating that delivers color, improved aesthetics, additional surface protection, and functional performance (e.g., scratch resistance, weatherability). Alloys 1050, 1060 and 1100 are commercially pure aluminum grades (Al ≥ 99.0–99.6% depending on grade) offering excellent formability, high electrical and thermal conductivity, and superior corrosion resistance. Alloy 3003 is an aluminium-manganese alloy (Al-Mn) that provides higher strength while retaining good formability and corrosion resistance. These alloys are widely used for color-coated foil where flexibility, surface quality, and appearance are important.
Features
Excellent surface aesthetics: smooth, uniform color with multiple gloss levels available (matte, semi-gloss, high-gloss).
Lightweight and durable: low density (≈2.70 g/cm³) with good strength-to-weight ratio.
Good corrosion resistance: naturally forming oxide film enhanced by the coating.
Excellent formability: especially alloys 1050, 1060, 1100 — suitable for deep drawing, bending and folding.
Good adhesion of organic coatings when pre-treated properly (anodizing, chemical conversion or primer application).
Thermal and electrical conductivity: useful where heat transfer or EMI shielding is desirable.
Recyclable and environmentally friendly: aluminum is infinitely recyclable with low energy cost in secondary production.
Customizable thickness, width, color, and coating specification to meet application requirements.
Typical Chemical Composition
Note: Values are typical ranges; refer to specific mill certificates for exact composition.
| Alloy | Al (balance) | Si (%) | Fe (%) | Cu (%) | Mn (%) | Mg (%) | Zn (%) | Ti (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1050 | ≥ 99.5 | ≤ 0.25 | ≤ 0.40 | ≤ 0.05 | ≤ 0.05 | ≤ 0.05 | ≤ 0.05 | ≤ 0.03 |
| 1060 | ≥ 99.6 | ≤ 0.25 | ≤ 0.35 | ≤ 0.05 | ≤ 0.03 | ≤ 0.05 | ≤ 0.05 | ≤ 0.03 |
| 1100 | ≥ 99.0 | ≤ 0.95 | ≤ 0.95 | ≤ 0.05 | ≤ 0.05 | ≤ 0.05 | ≤ 0.05 | ≤ 0.05 |
| 3003 | Balance (~97.0) | ≤ 0.6 | ≤ 0.7 | ≤ 0.05 | 1.0–1.5 | ≤ 0.1 | ≤ 0.1 | ≤ 0.1 |
Typical Mechanical Properties
Values depend on temper (H14, O, H18, etc.) and thickness. Typical ranges:
| Alloy | Temper | Tensile Strength (MPa) | Yield Strength (MPa) | Elongation (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1050 | O/H14 | 40–90 | 20–50 | 8–40 |
| 1060 | O/H14 | 45–95 | 25–55 | 8–40 |
| 1100 | O/H14 | 40–110 | 25–60 | 8–40 |
| 3003 | O/H14 | 100–160 | 40–110 | 8–30 |
Note: Color-coated foils are often supplied in soft temper (O) or light cold-worked temper for maximum formability. Coating processes can alter effective bend/flex properties.
Typical Dimensions & Tolerances
Thickness: commonly 6 µm to 200 µm (0.006 mm – 0.20 mm) depending on application. Foils thinner than 50 µm are typical for packaging; thicker foils used for laminates and architectural elements.
Width: up to 1500 mm depending on rolling mill and coating line.
Coil weight: typically 25–2000 kg per coil depending on thickness and customer handling capability.
Tolerances: standards such as ASTM B479 / GB/T 3880 apply; specific tolerances to be agreed on purchase order.
Color Coating Options and Processes
Coating types:
Polyester (PET) — good UV and weather resistance, available in gloss and matte finishes.
PVDF (Kynar) — excellent long-term weatherability and color retention for exterior applications.
Polyurethane (PU) — good abrasion resistance and flexibility.
Acrylic — cost-effective, good color options and clarity.
Epoxy primers are commonly used under topcoats for improved adhesion and corrosion protection.
Surface pretreatment:
Cleaning and degreasing — essential for good adhesion.
Chemical conversion coatings (e.g., chromate-free or chromate conversion) — improve corrosion resistance and coating adhesion.
Anodizing (for certain product variants) or mechanical polishing where required.
Primer application — improves adhesion and mechanical durability for topcoat.
Application methods:
Roll coating or curtain coating for continuous coil processing.
Curing via IR or convection ovens; temperature profiles controlled to avoid over-aging or temper changes.
Performance Characteristics of Coated Foil
Weatherability: PVDF and high-quality polyester systems offer extended color stability outdoors.
Abrasion resistance: dependent on topcoat chemistry and thickness; PU and hard-coated PET provide superior resistance.
Chemical resistance: coated foil resists many household chemicals, oils and mild acids; specific resistance should be checked per coating datasheet.
Heat resistance: organic coatings have maximum service temperatures (often 80–120 °C for long-term exposure; short-term spikes higher).
Adhesion: typical cross-cut adhesion ratings exceed 3–5B (ISO/ASTM tests) when pretreatment and primers are applied correctly.
Barrier properties: base aluminum foil provides excellent vapor and light barrier; coatings add mechanical protection and sometimes enhance barrier to certain contaminants.
Applications
Packaging:
Flexible packaging lamination (food wrappers, cosmetic pouches) — using thin 1050/1060/1100 foils with food-grade coatings and adhesives.
Decorative packaging where color and printability are required.
Consumer goods:
Decorative laminates, labels, product trim, and blister backing.
Heat-reflective decorative surfaces for appliances.
Building and architecture:
Composite panels, decorative facades and interior cladding where lightweight, colored metallic look is desired (3003 for higher strength).
HVAC components and insulation facing with colored finish.
Electrical & thermal uses:
Heat spreaders, thermal shielding, and EMI shielding where an aesthetic finish is also desired.
Advertising and retail:
Point-of-sale displays, signage and decorative wraps — colored metallic appearance with good formability.
Industrial:
Laminated materials where aluminum provides barrier and structural support combined with colored surface for branding.
Handling, Storage & Installation Notes
Avoid sharp bending or folding after coating to prevent coating fracture or crazing.
Store coils horizontally in a clean, dry environment away from corrosive atmospheres.
Protect coated surface with interleaving paper or PE film if specified.
Avoid long-term contact with materials that can induce corrosion (e.g., wet cement, acidic or alkaline residues).
Use appropriate adhesives and primers when laminating to other substrates; confirm compatibility with coating system.
For outdoor use, select PVDF or high-performance polyester systems for best long-term color retention.
Quality Control & Standards
Manufacturing typically follows ISO 9001 quality management systems.
Coating performance tests include:
Cross-cut adhesion (ISO 2409 / ASTM D3359)
Salt spray (ASTM B117) for coated systems where corrosion protection is critical
QUV/Weathering for accelerated color and gloss retention testing
Scratch/abrasion resistance (Taber abrasion or pencil hardness)
Thickness measurement by non-destructive methods (eddy current) and destructive sectioning
Metal standards: ASTM B209 / GB/T 3880 (aluminium and aluminium-alloy plate, sheet, and strip).
Customization & Ordering Options
Alloy selection: 1050/1060/1100 for highest formability and surface brightness; 3003 for increased strength.
Thickness and width cut to order.
Color and gloss level: custom RAL/Pantone matching available with minimum order quantities.
Coating system: specify polyester, PVDF, PU or other, plus primer requirements.
Surface finish: mill finish, bright, dull, or mechanically polished before coating.
Packaging and protective interleaving per customer requirements.
Color-coated aluminum foil made from 1050, 1060, 1100 and 3003 alloys provides an attractive combination of lightweight metal performance and durable colored finishes. Choose the appropriate alloy and coating system based on formability needs, mechanical strength requirements, and intended exposure (interior vs. exterior). Proper surface pretreatment, coating selection, and quality controls ensure long-term adhesion, color stability and performance. For precise technical specifications, certifications, or to request samples and a quotation, contact your supplier with application details (alloy, thickness, temper, intended use and environmental exposure).
