Aluminum circles are circular aluminum sheets, widely used in the manufacturing of various products due to their excellent heat dissipation and thermal conductivity. In many high-end stainless steel pots, aluminum circles are used as an intermediate layer in the three-layer structure of the pot bottom.
Aluminum Circle Structure Design for the Bottom of the Cooker
- Outer and Inner Layers: Typically made of stainless steel materials, which are magnetic and suitable for use on induction cookers.
- Middle Layer: Made of aluminum material. Due to aluminum's excellent thermal conductivity, this layer is responsible for effectively conducting heat and ensuring even heating of the pot bottom.
Why is Aluminum Circle Used at the Bottom of the Cooker?
- Thermal Conductivity: Aluminum has excellent thermal conductivity, allowing for quick and even heat transfer, which enhances cooking efficiency.
- Non-Magnetic: Aluminum is non-magnetic, so it is not suitable for induction heating, but this does not affect its role as a heat conductor.
Haomei Aluminum specializes in producing aluminum coil products in various alloys and states, including 1060, 1070, 3003, and 5052. We can also customize aluminum circle production molds with different widths and diameters according to customer requirements.
Aluminum Circles for Cookware Specifications
- Alloy number: 1050, 1060, 1100, 1200, 3003, 5052, , 8011
- Temper: O, H12, H14, H16, H18, etc.
- Thickness: 0.3mm to 6.0mm.
- Diameter: 30mm to 1600mm.
- Aluminum circles HS code: 7606.9100; 7606.9200.
- Standard: ASTM-B209 ; GB/T3880-2012, EN485.
Advantages of Aluminum Circles for Cookware
The widespread use of aluminum circles in cookware is due to their excellent thermal conductivity, lightweight and durable characteristics, and superior corrosion resistance. These advantages make aluminum an ideal material for high-performance cookware.
1. Excellent Thermal Conductivity
Even Heating: Aluminum is renowned for its outstanding thermal conductivity, allowing for rapid and uniform heat distribution. This characteristic ensures that cookware heats food effectively during cooking, reducing hotspots and uneven heating, thereby improving cooking results.
High Efficiency: The excellent thermal conductivity allows aluminum discs to heat up and cool down quickly, enhancing cooking efficiency and precision.
2. Lightweight and Durable
Lightweight Material: Aluminum is a lightweight metal, making cookware more convenient and easier to handle. Compared to other metals, aluminum significantly reduces the overall weight of the cookware.
Durability: Despite its light weight, aluminum still possesses sufficient strength and durability to withstand wear and impact from daily use. Its strength and toughness balance its weight, making aluminum discs a durable choice in the kitchen.
3. Superior Corrosion Resistance
Natural Oxide Layer: An oxide layer naturally forms on the surface of aluminum, providing excellent corrosion resistance. This layer effectively protects the aluminum from moisture, acidic, or alkaline substances, thereby extending the cookware's lifespan.
Rust Resistance: Since aluminum does not rust, it maintains good condition under various cooking conditions without being affected by rust or other forms of corrosion.
4. Ability to Meet Shape Requirements
Easy to Process and Form: Aluminum discs have good machinability and can be precisely shaped into various forms through various processing techniques (such as deep drawing, spinning, etc.). This allows aluminum to meet various design needs when manufacturing cookware, accommodating different shapes and sizes.
Precise Size Control: Aluminum maintains high dimensional accuracy during the forming process, ensuring that components fit well during assembly. This precise size control helps improve the overall quality and performance of the cookware.
Adapts to Complex Designs: The excellent forming characteristics of aluminum enable it to meet complex design requirements, including special shapes and details. This allows aluminum discs to be used in manufacturing various innovative and high-performance cookware products.
Alloy Selection for Aluminum Circles for Cookware
1060 Aluminum Disc Circle for Cookware
- Specifications: 2mm-3mm, in O (annealed) or H12 (hardened) condition
- Application: 1060 Aluminum Disc Circles are suitable for frying pans, pizza pans, electric griddles, and other cookware. 1060 aluminum has good machinability and moderate strength, making it suitable for cookware that requires lightweight and even heat distribution.
3003 Aluminum Disc Circle for Cookware
- Specifications: 2mm-4mm, in O (annealed) condition
- Application: 3003 Aluminum Disc Circles are widely used in electric pressure cookers and rice cookers. 3003 aluminum alloy, known for its excellent corrosion resistance and good machinability, is suitable as a primary material for these appliances.
1100 Aluminum Disc Circle for Cookware
- Specifications: 0.7mm-2mm, in O (annealed) condition
- Application: 1100 Aluminum Disc Circles are mainly used in the manufacture of soup pots. 1100 aluminum alloy has good thermal conductivity and corrosion resistance, making it ideal for making soup pots used in everyday cooking.
- Specifications: 3mm-5mm, in O (annealed) condition
- Application: 1100 Aluminum Disc Circles are mainly used for pot bottoms and stainless steel pot bases. The thickness and strength of 1100 aluminum alloy make it perform well in pot bottom applications, providing the necessary durability and stability.
Specific applications of aluminum circles for cookware include pots, frying pans, pizza pans, pie plates, cake pans, lids, kettles, bowls, deep fryers, cups, and utensils.
| Aluminium Circle Type | Cookware Products |
| 2mm-3mm 1060 O H12 Aluminium Circle | Fry Pans , Pizza Pans , Works, Electric Skillets |
| 2mm-4mm 3003 O Aluminium Circle | Pressure Cookers, Rice Cookers |
| 0.7mm-2mm 1100 O Aluminium Circle | Stock Pots |
| 3mm-5mm 1100 O Aluminium Circle | Cookware Bottom |
| 2mm-4mm 1100 3003 O Aluminium Circle | Coated Cookware |
| 0.7mm-2mm 1100 H14 Aluminium Circle | Cookware Cover |
Aluminum Circles for Cookware Chemical Composition of different Alloy
| Alloy | Si | Fe | Cu | Mn | Mg | Cr | Ni | Zn | Ti | Zr | AL | |
| 1050 | 0.25 | 0.4 | 0.05 | 0.05 | 0.05 | 一 | — | 0.05 | 0.05V | 0.03 | — | 99.5 |
| 1060 | 0.25 | 0.35 | 0.05 | 0.03 | 0.03 | — | — | 0.05 | 0.05V | 0.03 | — | 99.6 |
| 1070 | 0.2 | 0.25 | 0.04 | 0.03 | 0.03 | — | — | 0.04 | 0.05V | 0.03 | — | 99.7 |
| 1100 | 0.95Si+Fe | 0.05~0.20 | 0.05 | — | — | — | 0.1 | i | — | — | 99 | |
| 1200 | 1.00Si+Fe | 0.05 | 0.05 | — | — | — | 0.1 | — | 0.05 | — | 99 | |
| 3003 | 0.6 | 0.7 | 0.05~0.20 | 1.0~1.5 | — | — | — | 0.1 | — | — | — | remainder |
| 5052 | 0.25 | 0.4 | 0.4 | 0.1 | 2.2~2.8 | 0.15~0.35 | — | 0.1 | — | - | — | Remainder |
| 8011 | 0.50~0.9 | 0.6~1.0 | 0.1 | 0.2 | 0.05 | 0.05 | — | 0.1 | — | - | — | Remaind |
Factors Affecting the Price of Aluminum Circles for Cookware
1. Selection of Raw Materials
Aluminum Ingots vs. Scrap Aluminum: The price of aluminum circles is significantly influenced by the raw materials used. Aluminum ingots, especially high-purity aluminum ingots (such as those with 99.7% aluminum content), are more expensive. In contrast, aluminum circles made from recycled scrap aluminum are more cost-effective. While recycled aluminum is economically priced, its quality may not match that of pure aluminum ingots.
2. Thickness of Aluminum Circles
Thickness and Cost: The thickness of aluminum circles affects their price. Generally, thicker aluminum circles may contain more impurities during the manufacturing process, leading to decreased strength and quality. These thicker circles are usually priced lower in the market. Thinner aluminum circles, while slightly more expensive, generally offer more stable strength and quality.
3. Production Equipment and Processes
Equipment Impact: Different factories have varying levels of production equipment and technology, which directly affects the efficiency and quality of aluminum circle production. Larger factories typically have more advanced production equipment and professional teams, achieving higher production efficiency and lower defect rates. Consequently, the aluminum circles produced by these factories are of higher quality and priced accordingly. In contrast, smaller factories might use older equipment and less stable production processes, leading to lower-priced aluminum circles.
These factors collectively determine the price of aluminum circles for cookware. Consumers should consider raw materials, thickness, and production equipment to obtain the best cost-performance ratio.
Is Aluminum Safe for Cookware?
Aluminum is safe for use in cookware, but certain precautions should be observed. Aluminum is commonly used for making pots, frying pans, and baking sheets due to its excellent thermal conductivity and relative lightness. However, aluminum can react with acidic or alkaline foods at high temperatures, releasing aluminum ions.
- Avoid long-term contact with acidic or alkaline foods when using aluminum cookware. For example, when preparing tomato sauce or foods containing acidic substances, it is best to use stainless steel or glass cookware.
- Choose coated aluminum cookware: Many aluminum cookware items have non-stick coatings that prevent direct contact between aluminum and food.
- Regularly check and replace old aluminum cookware: Worn aluminum cookware may release more aluminum ions.
Aluminum cookware is safe as long as it is used correctly and necessary precautions are taken.
What is the Difference Between Cast Aluminum and Forged Aluminum Cookware?
Cast aluminum cookware is suitable for applications requiring complex shapes and even heating. It is generally heavier and may have some durability issues.
Forged aluminum cookware is lighter and sturdier, making it suitable for cookware that needs to be durable and easy to handle.
Cast Aluminum Cookware
Manufacturing Process:
- Cast aluminum cookware is made by pouring molten aluminum into molds, which solidifies into shape as it cools.
- This process allows for the creation of complex shapes and designs.
Features:
- Even Heat Distribution: Cast aluminum cookware has good thermal conductivity and can heat food evenly.
- Weight: Typically heavier than forged aluminum cookware because cast aluminum is usually thicker.
- Durability: Cast aluminum cookware is relatively durable, but the surface may develop cracks or deform, especially under high temperatures or rapid cooling.
- Surface Treatment: Cast aluminum cookware often has non-stick coatings or other protective layers to reduce food sticking and oxidation.
Forged Aluminum Cookware
Manufacturing Process:
- Forged aluminum cookware is made by heating aluminum to high temperatures and then shaping it using pressure or hammering.
- This process makes the aluminum's structure denser and its performance more uniform.
Features:
- Weight: Typically lighter than cast aluminum cookware because forged aluminum is thinner and stronger.
- Strength: Forged aluminum cookware is usually more robust and durable, with less tendency to deform.
- Thermal Conductivity: While it has good thermal conductivity, it may not be as even as cast aluminum due to variations in the manufacturing process.
- Surface Treatment: Forged aluminum cookware can also have non-stick coatings, but the surface is usually smoother.