1060 Aluminum Foil Suppliers

1. Introduction

In today’s rapidly advancing industrial landscape, materials that offer a combination of purity, performance, and versatility are increasingly valued. 1060 aluminum foil, known for its high aluminum content (≥99.6%), is one such material that has become indispensable in a wide range of applications.

As a member of the 1xxx series of aluminum alloys, it is characterized by its exceptional electrical and thermal conductivity, corrosion resistance, and excellent formability.

Unlike more complex alloyed foils, 1060 aluminum maintains a simple composition, which makes it both cost-effective and easy to process.

These attributes make it particularly well-suited for applications requiring high conductivity, lightweight design, and safe contact with food or sensitive electronics.

Key Industries Utilizing 1060 Aluminum Foil

Owing to its superior material characteristics, 1060 aluminum foil is used extensively across several key sectors:

• Packaging Industry: In both food and pharmaceutical sectors, it acts as a protective barrier that resists light, moisture, and contaminants while remaining non-toxic and recyclable.
• HVAC and Insulation: Its ability to reflect radiant heat makes it ideal for thermal insulation and duct wrapping.
• Electrical and Electronics: High-purity aluminum foil plays a critical role as a current collector in lithium-ion batteries and as shielding in electronic cables.
• Energy and Power: It is widely used for transformer winding and power cable wrapping due to its excellent conductivity and thermal stability.
• Decorative and Reflective Applications: Thanks to its smooth surface and brightness, it’s also applied in reflectors and aesthetic components.

As industries prioritize sustainability, energy efficiency, and high-performance materials, the demand for 1060 aluminum foil continues to grow worldwide.

2. Chemical Composition and Alloy Classification

Chemical Composition

1060 aluminum foil belongs to the 1xxx series of commercially pure aluminum, containing at least 99.6% aluminum by weight.

Its minimal alloying elements result in a material that offers superior electrical and thermal conductivity, making it ideal for sensitive industrial applications.

According to the ASTM B209 standard, the typical chemical composition of 1060 aluminum is as follows:

This high aluminum purity allows the foil to retain excellent ductility, corrosion resistance, and a highly reflective surface, which are crucial for packaging, insulation, and electrical applications.

Comparison with Other 1000 Series Aluminum Alloys

Within the 1xxx series, several grades such as 1050, 1070, and 1100 are commonly used.

However, 1060 offers a balanced profile that makes it a preferred choice in many technical settings:

Compared to 1050, 1060 aluminum foil has slightly higher purity, which results in better conductivity and corrosion resistance while maintaining sufficient strength for foil rolling.

While 1070 offers marginally better electrical properties, its higher cost makes 1060 more attractive for large-scale commercial use.

3. Manufacturing Process of 1060 Aluminum Foil

The production of 1060 aluminum foil involves a series of precision-controlled processes that transform high-purity aluminum ingots into ultra-thin, high-performance foil.

Given its exceptional purity (≥99.6% aluminum), 1060 requires careful handling to preserve its desirable physical and mechanical properties.

3.1 Casting and Hot Rolling

The process begins with the melting of aluminum ingots in a furnace, followed by casting into slabs.

These slabs are then hot-rolled at temperatures above 400°C to reduce thickness while maintaining the material’s ductility.

This initial reduction helps refine the grain structure and eliminate casting defects.

3.2 Cold Rolling

After hot rolling, the aluminum sheets undergo cold rolling to further reduce the thickness—typically to below 0.2 mm.

Cold rolling is performed at ambient temperatures and involves multiple passes through high-precision rollers. This step is crucial for:

• Achieving the final foil thickness (often 0.005 mm to 0.2 mm)
• Enhancing mechanical strength through work hardening
• Ensuring dimensional accuracy and surface uniformity

3.3 Annealing

To restore ductility lost during cold rolling and to tailor mechanical properties, the foil is subjected to annealing in a controlled atmosphere furnace.

Annealing temperatures range from 300°C to 450°C, depending on the desired temper (e.g., O, H18, H22).

This step improves formability and ensures a consistent grain structure.

3.4 Surface Cleaning and Degreasing

Before final processing, the foil is cleaned to remove any residual lubricants and contaminants from rolling.

Chemical degreasing or alkaline cleaning is used to ensure a pristine surface, which is essential for applications in food packaging, electronics, and insulation.

3.5 Slitting and Finishing

The large foil rolls are then slit into narrower widths to meet specific application requirements.

Edge trimming, embossing (if required), and tension leveling are performed during this phase.

Depending on the final use, the foil may also receive protective coatings, lamination, or printing.

3.6 Quality Control

Throughout the manufacturing process, strict quality control measures are enforced, including:

• Thickness tolerance checks (often ±0.005 mm)
• Surface finish inspections (free from pinholes, cracks, or oil spots)
• Mechanical property testing (tensile strength, elongation, etc.)
• Metallographic analysis for grain size and uniformity

Many manufacturers adhere to international standards such as ASTM B479, EN 546, and GB/T 3198 to ensure product quality and consistency.

In conclusion, the manufacturing of 1060 aluminum foil is a technically demanding process that integrates thermal, mechanical, and chemical operations.

Each step—from casting to finishing—is optimized to meet the rigorous requirements of industries like packaging, electronics, and energy.

4. Key Mechanical and Physical Properties of 1060 Aluminum Foil

The performance of 1060 aluminum foil in various applications is largely defined by its physical and mechanical characteristics.

As a high-purity aluminum alloy (≥99.6% Al), it offers a unique balance of conductivity, flexibility, and corrosion resistance, making it ideal for sectors ranging from power to packaging.

4.1 Physical Properties

1060 aluminum foil possesses excellent physical attributes due to its near-pure aluminum content:

• High conductivity: Its electrical and thermal conductivity makes 1060 ideal for transformer wrapping, heat sinks, and battery tabs.
• Excellent formability: Low strength but exceptional elongation makes it suitable for deep drawing and flexible shaping.
• High reflectivity: 1060 aluminum foil reflects over 85% of visible light, contributing to its use in insulation and decorative applications.

4.2 Mechanical Properties with Different Tempers

Mechanical properties of 1060 aluminum foil vary significantly depending on the temper (i.e., the thermal and mechanical treatment applied).

Common tempers include O (annealed), H18 (full hard), and H22 (1/4 hard).

• O temper is soft and highly malleable, used for forming-intensive processes such as food packaging or cable wrapping.
• H18 offers maximum strength and stiffness, suitable for rigid insulation or structural laminate backings.
• H22/H24 tempers provide a balance between formability and mechanical strength, often chosen for household foil and electronics.

5. Common Applications of 1060 Aluminum Foil

Due to its excellent thermal conductivity, corrosion resistance, formability, and high aluminum purity (≥99.6%), 1060 aluminum foil is widely used in a broad range of industries.

Its versatility is further enhanced by its cost-effectiveness and ease of processing, making it a staple material in both industrial and consumer applications.

5.1 Packaging Industry

One of the most dominant uses of 1060 aluminum foil is in flexible and protective packaging.

• Food and pharmaceutical packaging: In the O temper, 1060 foil is soft enough to tightly seal and wrap various contents. It acts as a barrier against light, oxygen, moisture, and contaminants, preserving product freshness and extending shelf life.
• Aluminum-laminated pouches and sachets: Its high formability allows it to conform to irregular shapes, while maintaining structural integrity during transportation and storage.

According to market data, aluminum foil used in packaging accounts for more than 50% of global foil consumption, with 1060 being a primary choice in the high-purity segment.

5.2 HVAC Systems

In heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, 1060 foil is used in:

• Aluminum fins for heat exchangers: Its thermal conductivity (~234 W/m·K) ensures efficient heat transfer.
• Duct insulation: Reflective 1060 foil layers help reduce thermal losses and improve energy efficiency in residential and commercial buildings.

Its excellent corrosion resistance ensures a long service life, even under humid or chemically aggressive environments.

5.3 Battery and Electronics

With the rise of electric mobility and renewable energy, battery-grade aluminum foil has become a strategic material.

• Current collectors in lithium-ion batteries: 1060 foil is used as a cathode current collector due to its high electrical conductivity and flat surface.
• Capacitors and heat-dissipating layers: It provides excellent thermal dissipation and dimensional stability in compact electronic assemblies.

In battery applications, 1060 aluminum foil is typically manufactured in thicknesses of 10–20 microns to optimize conductivity while minimizing weight.

5.4 Cable and Transformer Wrapping

The electrical industry values 1060 foil for its purity and conductivity:

• Cable shielding: It acts as an electromagnetic interference (EMI) shield in coaxial and fiber optic cables.
• Transformer winding and insulation: Soft temper 1060 foil wraps around winding coils to insulate and conduct electricity efficiently.

Its compatibility with insulating materials and low magnetism make it ideal for power and signal transmission systems.

5.5 Decorative and Reflective Uses

1060 aluminum foil is widely applied in aesthetic and energy-reflective applications:

• Lighting reflectors and solar reflectors: With a natural reflectivity of ≥85%, it enhances illumination efficiency in LED and solar systems.
• Interior design and labels: Its mirror-like finish and flexibility make it suitable for embossed or laminated decorative elements, such as ceiling tiles and nameplates.
• Party or gift wrap: Safe for contact with skin and food, it’s often used in premium wrapping foils.

6. Advantages over Other Aluminum Grades

When compared to other common aluminum foil grades—such as 8011, 3003, or 1100—1060 aluminum foil offers a unique combination of purity, performance, and processing advantages.

These characteristics make it especially suitable for applications where conductivity, corrosion resistance, and formability are critical.

Higher Purity Equals Better Conductivity and Corrosion Resistance

Comprising at least 99.6% aluminum, 1060 aluminum foil is among the purest aluminum grades available for industrial use. This high purity results in:

• Superior electrical conductivity: Approximately 61.7% IACS (International Annealed Copper Standard), which is ideal for transformer windings, battery tabs, and EMI shielding.
• Enhanced corrosion resistance: Unlike alloys with higher copper or iron content (such as 3003), 1060 demonstrates excellent resistance to chemical corrosion in humid, acidic, or marine environments.

In contrast, grades like 8011 aluminum foil (Al ~98.5%) and 3003 (Al ~98.6%) include additional elements such as iron, silicon, or manganese, which may slightly reduce conductivity and corrosion performance in exchange for mechanical strength.

Superior Formability and Flexibility

1060 foil excels in applications requiring deep drawing, bending, or folding without cracking.

• Soft temper (O) foil can be shaped into complex structures such as blister packs, container lids, or wrapping layers.
• Its elongation rate exceeds 30%, depending on thickness and temper, outperforming stiffer grades like 8011-H18.

This makes it especially valuable in food and pharmaceutical packaging, where tight seals and precise molding are critical.

Cost-Effectiveness Due to Simpler Composition

The absence of expensive alloying elements like manganese (in 3003) or iron/silicon (in 8011) reduces material costs. Additionally:

• Less processing is required, which streamlines manufacturing.
• The alloy’s widespread availability and ease of recycling lower total lifecycle costs.

In markets where electrical or thermal conductivity and corrosion resistance outweigh tensile strength, 1060 aluminum foil delivers better value.

7. High Quality 1060 Aluminum Foil Supplier – Huawei Aluminum

When sourcing 1060 aluminum foil for industrial or commercial applications, selecting a reputable and technically capable manufacturer is essential.

Huawei Aluminum stands out as a trusted global supplier of high-purity aluminum foil, offering consistent quality, comprehensive customization, and strong technical support.

Why Choose Huawei Aluminum?

Huawei Aluminum has over 20 years of experience in aluminum manufacturing and export.

The company specializes in high-purity foil products like 1060 and offers competitive advantages across several critical dimensions:

7.1 Strict Quality Control

Huawei employs a multi-stage quality assurance system, adhering to international standards such as:

• ISO 9001:2015 (Quality Management)
• ASTM B479 (Standard for Aluminum Foil for Electrical Applications)
• EN 546 (Aluminum and aluminum alloys – Foil)

7.2 Wide Range of Specifications

Huawei provides customized foil thicknesses from 0.005 mm to 0.2 mm, with widths up to 1600 mm, and coil weights tailored to user requirements. Surface finishes include:

• Mill finish
• Bright finish
• Matte finish
• Embossed foil

7.3 Advanced Manufacturing Facilities

Huawei operates state-of-the-art rolling mills, annealing furnaces, tension-leveling machines, and online inspection systems to ensure precision and consistency. Annual production capacity for aluminum foil exceeds 50,000 tons, ensuring timely delivery even for large-volume orders.

7.4 Global Reach and Certifications

Huawei Aluminum exports to over 70 countries, including the U.S., Germany, India, South Korea, and Brazil. The company holds multiple certifications that support international trade and industry compliance, including:

• REACH & RoHS compliance
• SGS product certification
• MSDS for industrial applications

7.5 Technical Support and After-Sales Service

In addition to supplying foil, Huawei provides:

• Material consultation and selection guidance
• Tailored packaging solutions
• Responsive after-sales support and logistics tracking

8. Conclusion

In summary, 1060 aluminum foil stands out as a high-purity, versatile material widely valued across diverse industries including packaging, HVAC, electronics, and electrical manufacturing.

Its excellent corrosion resistance, electrical conductivity, and formability make it a preferred choice for applications demanding both performance and reliability.

With its simple chemical composition and robust manufacturing processes, 1060 aluminum foil delivers consistent mechanical and physical properties that meet stringent industry standards such as ASTM B479 and ISO 9001.

Compared to other aluminum grades, it offers superior purity and cost-effectiveness, ensuring optimal balance between quality and price.

Selecting a trusted supplier like Huawei Aluminum further enhances the value proposition, providing access to premium-grade 1060 aluminum foil with customizable specifications, rigorous quality controls, and comprehensive technical support.