Aluminium fins are metal components used to enhance heat exchange efficiency. They are usually made of aluminum, featuring lightweight, high thermal conductivity, and corrosion resistance. Their core function is to expand the heat exchange surface area, optimize fluid flow paths, and improve heat transfer rates.
Aluminium fin stock is a specially designed lightweight aluminum alloy material mainly used in heat exchangers and related thermal management applications.
Aluminium fin stock refers to specialized aluminum coils or strips designed for heat exchange applications. It is widely used in industries requiring efficient thermal management, such as HVAC systems, automotive cooling, and refrigeration.
Aluminum fin stock is a lightweight, formable, and corrosion-resistant aluminum alloy material, widely used in the manufacturing of automotive radiators, heat shields, and various heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) equipment.
Aluminium Fin Stock is made from 1000, 3000, and 8000 series aluminum alloys, characterized by excellent thermal conductivity, low density, and light weight.
The aluminum fin stock is coated to enhance its corrosion resistance and service life. The coating helps prevent the metal from corrosion damage and other external factors during long-term use.
Aluminium Fin Stock Composition
- Aluminium fins consist of a base tube (metal tube such as carbon steel or stainless steel) and fins (thin aluminum sheets).
- The base tube serves as a fluid channel, while the fins are attached to the tube's outer wall through extrusion, winding, or welding, forming a composite structure.
Core Functions of Aluminium Fin Stock
- Increase Heat Exchange Area: Fins expand the contact surface between the base tube and surrounding media, accelerating heat transfer.
- Optimize Fluid Disturbance: Fin shapes (such as corrugated or spiral) guide fluid to generate turbulence, breaking the thermal resistance boundary layer and enhancing heat transfer efficiency.
Specifications of Aluminium fin stock
- Alloy: Primarily made from 1000 series (e.g., 1100), 3000 series (e.g., 3102), and 8000 series (e.g., 8011) aluminum alloys. These alloys balance formability, strength, and corrosion resistance.
- Thickness: Ranges from 0.0039–0.254 mm (0.1–0.254 mm metric) or specific industrial grades of 0.09–0.2 mm.
- Width: Ranges from 25.4 mm to 1, 200 mm, meeting various manufacturing needs.
- Temper Options: Includes O (annealed), H22, H24, and H26 tempers to enhance mechanical properties such as hardness and flexibility.
| Alloy | Temper | Thickness(mm) | Width (mm) | I.D.(mm) | Mechanical Properties | ||
| Tensile Strength (Mpa) | Elongation(%) | Erichson (IE, mm | |||||
| 1100 | O | 0.08-0.2 | 100-1400 | I.D.75/150/ | 80-110 | ≥27 | ≥6.0 |
| 1200 | H22 | (+/-5%) | (+/-1) | 200/300/505 | 100-135 | ≥22 | ≥5.5 |
| 3102 | H24 | 115-145 | ≥20 | ≥5.0 | |||
| 8011 | H26 | 125-160 | ≥10 | ≥4.5 | |||
| 8006 | H18 | ≥160 | ≥1 | - | |||
| Special specifications can be produced as per customer's requirements | |||||||
Haomei Aluminium Fin Stock Product Quality
Surface Condition
- Cleanliness: The surface should be clean, free from dirt, oil, or other impurities.
- Defects: The surface should be free from folds, scratches, or other visible defects.
- Adhesives: There should be no residues of adhesives.
- Color: The color should be uniform with no noticeable color variation.
Side Quality
- Flatness: The sides should be flat, with no ripples or undulations.
- Smoothness: The sides should be smooth, without cracks or blemishes.
Aluminium Fin Stock Characteristics
Lightweight and Formability
Fin stock is produced by rolling aluminum foil or sheet multiple times through a mill to create extremely thin and uniform sheets. This process ensures excellent formability, which is crucial for manufacturing complex corrugated structures used in heat exchangers.
High Thermal Conductivity
The inherent high thermal conductivity of aluminum makes it an ideal material for efficient heat transfer. This characteristic is essential for radiators, HVAC systems, and automotive heat exchangers, where rapid heat dissipation is critical.
Corrosion Resistance
Due to its chemical composition, aluminum fin stock offers strong resistance to environmental degradation, moisture, and chemicals. This durability makes it especially useful for outdoor and harsh industrial environments.
Types of Aluminium Fin Stock
| Type | Features | Applicable Scenarios |
| Straight Fin | Smooth surface, simple manufacturing, easy to clean; however, lower heat exchange efficiency requiring a larger area. | Household air conditioners, conventional radiators |
| Corrugated Fin | Wavy surface increases turbulence effect, improving heat exchange efficiency by approximately 20%-30% compared to straight fins. | Industrial heat exchangers, drying equipment |
| Spiral Fin | Spiral arrangement extends the fluid path, significantly increasing the heat exchange area with relatively low pressure drop. | Heat exchangers in petrochemical and power industries |
| Louvered Fin | Louvered structure enhances air disturbance, making it suitable for efficient gas medium heat exchange. | Automotive radiators, HVAC systems |
Aluminium Fin Stock Alloy Types
- Aluminium 1100: With a purity close to 99%, it offers excellent corrosion resistance and reliable performance in low-temperature applications.
- Aluminium 1145: Similar to 1100 but with slightly higher aluminium content, enhancing electrical and thermal conductivity.
- Aluminium 3003: Known for its moderate strength and high ductility, making it suitable for forming and welding applications.
| Alloy Type | Description |
| Aluminium 1100 | Aluminium 1100 is a high-purity aluminium alloy with an aluminium content close to 99%, offering excellent corrosion resistance, particularly suitable for heat exchange applications in humid or low-temperature environments. Due to its outstanding oxidation resistance, this alloy is widely used in air conditioning, refrigeration, and cryogenic heat exchange equipment to ensure long-term stable heat exchange performance. Additionally, aluminium 1100 has good thermal conductivity and formability, making it easy to manufacture into thin fins to enhance heat transfer efficiency. |
| Aluminium 1145 | Aluminium 1145 is similar to 1100 but contains slightly higher aluminium content, typically exceeding 99.45%, which improves its electrical and thermal conductivity, making it an ideal choice for high-efficiency radiators and heat exchangers. This alloy is widely used in industrial heat exchange equipment, electronic heat sinks, and HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) systems, ensuring rapid heat distribution and reducing energy loss. Moreover, aluminium 1145 maintains excellent corrosion resistance even in extreme climate conditions, enhancing the lifespan of heat exchange systems. |
| Aluminium 3003 | Aluminium 3003 is an aluminium-manganese alloy known for its moderate strength and high ductility, making it a common choice for heat exchanger fins. Compared to 1100 and 1145, aluminium 3003 offers better structural stability over long-term use due to its higher strength, making it suitable for heat exchange systems that need to withstand higher mechanical stress. Additionally, its good formability and weldability provide significant advantages in manufacturing complex heat exchanger structures, such as automotive cooling systems, industrial heat exchangers, and building heating equipment. |
Common Fin Stock alloys and tempers include
- 1100 O Aluminum Fin Stock: Soft annealed condition for general formability.
- 1100 H14 Aluminum Fin Stock: Slightly strain-hardened, suitable for moderate strength and formability.
- 1100 H18 Aluminum Fin Stock: Higher strength than H14 due to further strain hardening.
- 1100 H19 Aluminum Fin Stock: Similar to H18 but with higher strength characteristics.
- 1100 H25 Aluminum Fin Stock: Strain-hardened to achieve increased strength.
- 1100 H111 Aluminum Fin Stock: Fully annealed to achieve maximum ductility.
- 1100 H211 Aluminum Fin Stock: Strain-hardened and partially annealed for improved strength and formability.
- 1100 H113 Aluminum Fin Stock: Strain-hardened and partially annealed with a controlled amount of cold work.
- 3003 O Aluminum Fin Stock: Soft annealed condition for good formability and corrosion resistance.
- 3003 H14 Aluminum Fin Stock: Strain-hardened, suitable for moderate strength and formability.
- 3003 H18 Aluminum Fin Stock: Higher strength than H14 due to further strain hardening.
- 3003 H19 Aluminum Fin Stock: Similar to H18 but with higher strength characteristics.
- 3003 H25 Aluminum Fin Stock: Strain-hardened to achieve increased strength.
- 3003 H111 Aluminum Fin Stock: Fully annealed to achieve maximum ductility.
- 3003 H211 Aluminum Fin Stock: Strain-hardened and partially annealed for improved strength and formability.
- 3003 H113 Aluminum Fin Stock: Strain-hardened and partially annealed with a controlled amount of cold work.
These aluminum fin stocks, ranging from annealed (O) to fully hardened (H113) tempers in both 1100 and 3003 alloys, are commonly used in heat exchangers and HVAC components such as air conditioners, radiators, and evaporators.
Chemical Composition of Different Alloy Aluminum Fin Stock
|
Chemical composition of Aluminium fin stock Alloy (%) |
AA1050 | AA1100 | AA1200 | AA3003 | AA8006 | AA8011 |
| Fe | 0.40 | 0.95 | 1.00 | 0.70 | 1.40 — 1.60 | 0.6 — 1.00 |
| Si | 0.25 | (Fe Si) | (Fe Si) | 0.60 | 0.02 | 0.5 — 0.90 |
| Mg | 0.05 | – | – | – | 0.02 | 0.05 |
| Mn | 0.05 | 0.05 | 0.05 | 1.0 — 1.50 | 0.4 — 0.50 | 0.20 |
| Cu | 0.05 | 0.05 — 0.20 | 0.05 | 0.05 — 0.20 | 0.05 | 0.10 |
| Zn | 0.05 | 0.10 | 0.10 | 0.10 | 0.05 | 0.10 |
| Ti | 0.03 | – | 0.05 | 0.1(Ti Zr) | 0.03 | 0.08 |
| Cr | – | – | – | – | – | 0.05 |
| Each(Others) | 0.03 | 0.05 | 0.05 | 0.05 | 0.05 | 0.05 |
| Total (Others) | – | 0.15 | 0.125 | 0.15 | 0.15 | 0.15 |
| Al | 99.50 | 99.00 | 99.00 | Remainder | Remainder | Remainder |
Haomei Aluminium Fin Stock Surface Coating
- Hydrophilic Coating: Enhances moisture absorption and frost resistance in HVAC systems.
- Corrosion-Resistant Layer: Prevents exposure to harsh environments, such as saltwater in coastal regions.
- Custom Finish: Provides colored or transparent coatings to meet design requirements.
Aluminium fin stock is a crucial material in thermal management systems, combining lightweight design, corrosion resistance, and adaptability. Its applications span HVAC, automotive, and industrial sectors, with advancements in coatings and alloys continuously improving performance.
Bare Aluminium Fin Stock
Bare aluminium fin stock is untreated aluminum foil with basic aluminum characteristics. Due to its untreated surface, it may be affected by oxidation and corrosion during use, but it still maintains good thermal conductivity.
Features
- Thermal Conductivity: Maintains good heat transfer performance.
- Surface Condition: The untreated surface may be affected by oxidation and corrosion.
- Application: Commonly used in heat exchangers and radiators.
Hydrophilic Aluminium Fin Stock
Hydrophilic aluminium fin stock is aluminum foil treated with a hydrophilic coating that allows condensate to spread rapidly without forming droplets.
Features
- Heat Exchange Efficiency: Increases heat exchange area and speeds up cooling and heating processes.
- Noise Reduction: Effective in reducing airflow noise due to the absence of water droplet accumulation.
- Protective Function: Provides additional corrosion and mildew protection.
- Moisture Distribution: Ensures even distribution of condensed water on the surface, reducing thermal resistance buildup and improving heat exchange rate by about 5%.
Pre-coated Aluminum Fin Stock
Pre-coated Aluminum Fin Stock features a corrosion-resistant coating that prevents corrosion, and the lubricating layer in the coating extends the service life.
- Thermal Conductivity: Provides good thermal conductivity.
- Corrosion-Resistant Coating: The coating prevents corrosion during use and extends the service life.
- Lubricating Layer: The lubricating layer in the coating improves formability and ease of processing into desired shapes and sizes.
- Application: Suitable for room/combination air conditioners and heat exchangers in large refrigerators.
Aluminium Fin Stock Performance Advantages
| Performance Advantage | Description |
| High Thermal Conductivity | Aluminium fin stock exhibits excellent thermal conductivity, with a thermal conductivity coefficient of up to 211.9 W/(m·K), allowing rapid heat transfer to enhance the efficiency of heat exchangers. In applications such as air conditioning, automotive radiators, and HVAC systems, aluminium fins significantly reduce heat exchange time, improve energy efficiency, and lower power consumption. Furthermore, its uniform heat distribution ensures stable temperature control, enhancing the overall performance of heat exchange equipment. |
| Lightweight | Aluminium fin stock has a density of only 2.7 g/cm³, making it 30%-40% lighter than traditional steel fins. This lightweight characteristic results in a more compact heat exchanger structure, reducing transportation and installation costs while lowering the overall structural load of the equipment. In automotive, aerospace air conditioning systems, and portable heat exchange equipment, lightweight aluminium fins effectively improve energy efficiency and optimize device performance. |
| Corrosion Resistance | Aluminium fin stock naturally forms a dense oxide layer on its surface, providing superior corrosion resistance against humid environments and acidic or alkaline media. Over long-term use, this protective layer significantly extends the lifespan of fins, often exceeding 20 years. In marine climates, high-humidity air conditioning systems, and chemical heat exchange equipment, corrosion-resistant aluminium fins reduce maintenance costs and enhance operational stability. |
| Low Air Resistance | Aluminium fin stock undergoes precision processing to achieve a smooth and streamlined design, effectively reducing fluid resistance. This low air resistance allows air or coolant to flow smoothly, minimizing pressure drops and reducing the energy consumption of fans or pumps, ultimately improving the overall efficiency of the heat exchanger. In HVAC, automotive cooling systems, and industrial heat exchange equipment, low-resistance aluminium fins optimize airflow channels, enhancing system efficiency and energy savings. |
Aluminium Fin Stock Manufacturing and Processing Technology
The fins are usually manufactured through rolling and casting processes. In some advanced applications, twin-roll casting and other methods are used to achieve finer dispersion of intermetallic compounds. This not only enhances the mechanical strength after brazing but also maintains high thermal conductivity. Additionally, the material can be produced as bare (uncoated) or pre-coated (with protective layers such as corrosion-resistant, hydrophilic, or superhydrophobic coatings) to meet specific application requirements.
Extrusion Molding
The aluminum tube is sleeved onto the base tube, and through mechanical extrusion, the aluminum material deforms to form fins, ensuring tight adhesion between the fins and the base tube, thereby reducing thermal resistance.
Winding or Welding Process
The winding-type fins are spirally wound onto the surface of the base tube; the welding process uses high-frequency welding to fix the fins, making it suitable for high-precision application scenarios.
Aluminium Fin Stock Applications
| Application Field | Description |
| Air Conditioning and Refrigeration | Aluminum fin stock is widely used in condensers and evaporators of air conditioning and refrigeration systems. Its high thermal conductivity ensures efficient heat exchange between the refrigerant and air, improving the system’s Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER). Moreover, the lightweight nature of aluminum helps reduce the overall equipment weight, facilitating installation and maintenance. Additionally, aluminum fins with corrosion-resistant coatings can effectively extend the service life of equipment, particularly in high-humidity environments such as household air conditioners, commercial refrigeration systems, and industrial cold storage. |
| Automotive Industry | Aluminum fin stock is primarily used in radiators, intercoolers, and condensers in the automotive industry. These components rely on aluminum fins’ large surface area and excellent thermal conductivity to achieve efficient heat transfer, ensuring the stable operation of engines, turbocharging systems, and air conditioning systems. The use of aluminum fins effectively enhances fuel efficiency, reduces the risk of engine overheating, and contributes to vehicle lightweighting trends, further improving energy efficiency and environmental performance. |
| Building Heating | Aluminum fin stock is widely used in building heating systems, including radiators and fan heaters. Its excellent thermal conductivity allows rapid heat transfer, ensuring uniform indoor temperature increases and improving heating efficiency. Additionally, aluminum alloy fins offer strong oxidation and corrosion resistance, making them less prone to rust or failure during long-term use. For rooftop or exterior wall heat dissipation systems, aluminum fins can be treated with colored coatings, such as gold or blue, to enhance the building’s aesthetics while improving UV resistance and weather durability. |
| Industrial Heat Exchange | Aluminum fin stock plays a crucial role in heat exchange equipment in the petrochemical and power industries, such as high-temperature gas coolers and heat recovery systems in chemical reactors. Due to aluminum’s excellent thermal conductivity and oxidation resistance, it maintains stable heat dissipation performance in high-temperature, high-humidity, and corrosive environments, ensuring long-term operational efficiency of heat exchange systems. Moreover, aluminum fins are lightweight and easy to process, allowing for customized designs based on different equipment requirements, improving heat exchange efficiency, and reducing maintenance costs. |
| Drying and Heating | Aluminum fin stock is widely used in drying equipment for the food and pharmaceutical industries, such as spray drying systems, to accelerate moisture evaporation and improve drying efficiency. Its high thermal conductivity allows heat to be quickly transferred to drying air or steam, thereby enhancing production speed and reducing energy consumption. At the same time, aluminum’s corrosion resistance ensures that fins maintain stable performance in high-temperature, humid environments, making them particularly suitable for food and pharmaceutical industries that require high hygiene and product quality standards. |
8011 O Aluminium Fin Stock for Air Conditioning
8011 O-grade aluminum foil is used for heat exchangers in air conditioning systems. It is made from 8011 aluminum alloy with O-temper (softened) treatment, making it suitable for air conditioning heat exchangers with good thermal conductivity.
Features:
- Material: 8011 aluminum alloy, O-temper (softened), suitable for processing.
- Application: Mainly used in heat exchangers within air conditioning systems.
- Performance: Provides good thermal conductivity and durability.
3003 Pre-coated Hydrophilic Aluminum Fin Stock for Heat Exchanger
3003 Pre-coated Hydrophilic Aluminum Fin Stock features a hydrophilic coating that enhances heat exchange efficiency by reducing water droplet formation and improving heat dissipation.
Features:
- Material: 3003 aluminum alloy with pre-coated hydrophilic layer.
- Hydrophilicity: The coating allows condensed water to spread rapidly, reducing water droplet formation.
- Application: Primarily used in various heat exchangers to enhance heat exchange efficiency.
8011 Pre-Coated Gold Color Aluminum Fin Stock for HVAC Heat Exchangers
8011 Pre-coated Gold Color Aluminum Fin Stock features a gold-colored coating that provides an attractive appearance while enhancing the protective properties of the aluminum foil, making it suitable for HVAC systems.
- Material: 8011 aluminum alloy with pre-coated gold protective layer.
- Appearance: The gold coating provides an aesthetically pleasing look and additional protection.
- Application: Suitable for heat exchangers in HVAC systems, combining aesthetics with functionality.
8011 O Blue Pre-coated Hydrophilic Aluminium Fin Stock for Household Air Conditioner
8011 O-grade aluminum foil with a blue pre-coated hydrophilic layer ensures rapid dispersion of condensed water. The blue coating adds visual appeal and enhances heat exchange efficiency.
- Material: 8011 aluminum alloy, O-temper (softened), with pre-coated blue hydrophilic layer.
- Hydrophilicity: The coating allows condensed water to spread rapidly, preventing water droplet formation.
- Appearance: The blue coating provides additional visual effects.
- Application: Designed specifically for household air conditioning systems, improving both heat exchange efficiency and appearance.
Aluminium Fin Stock Production Process
- Foil Rolling: Aluminum foil is produced through multiple rolling processes to form thin, flat metal sheets.
- Alloy Selection: Uses 1000, 3000, and 8000 series aluminum alloys to meet different application needs.
- Form: Aluminum fin stock is usually in coil form and can also be cut into strips as needed.
Aluminium Fin Stock Packaging and Storage
Packaging
- Wooden Pallets: Packaged using fumigated or non-fumigated wooden pallets.
- Wooden Cases: Fumigated or non-fumigated wooden cases can also be used for packaging, depending on the required method.
Storage
Environmental Requirements:
- Cleanliness: The storage area should be clean, free from dust and dirt.
- Dryness: Humidity should be kept below 65% to prevent the aluminum foil from moisture damage.
- Non-corrosive Gases: The storage area should be free from corrosive gases to avoid chemical corrosion of the aluminum foil.
Protective Measures:
- Rain and Snow Protection: The storage area should be protected from rain, snow, and other liquids to prevent moisture or corrosion.
- Moisture Isolation: The storage area should be free from other sources of moisture or chemically active substances to maintain the dryness and stability of the aluminum foil.
Why Use Aluminum as Fin Material?
- High Thermal Conductivity: Aluminum effectively conducts heat, enhancing the efficiency of heat exchangers.
- Lightweight: Aluminum is lighter than many other metals, making it easier to handle and reducing the overall weight of the equipment.
- Corrosion Resistance: Aluminum naturally forms a protective layer on its surface, offering strong corrosion resistance, suitable for humid or corrosive environments.
- Easy to Process: Aluminum is easy to process, allowing for the manufacturing of complex fin designs through stamping, rolling, and welding processes.
- Cost-Effective: Aluminum is generally cheaper than copper and stainless steel, making it a cost-effective choice.
- High Recyclability: Aluminum is easily recyclable, environmentally friendly, and reduces environmental impact.
Aluminium Fin Stock Product Quality Testing
Alkaline Resistance Test
Tests the alkaline resistance of the surface coating of aluminum fins. The fins are immersed in a 20% NaOH solution for 3 minutes, then examined for any bubbling. This test ensures the coating can withstand alkaline cleaning agents.
Humidity and Heat Test
Tests the corrosion resistance of fins under specific temperature and humidity conditions. The fins are exposed to high temperature and humidity environments for an extended period to assess their weather resistance and corrosion tolerance.
Salt Spray Test
Conducts a salt spray test on fins in a 35°C, 3% saline solution environment. This test simulates harsh environments to evaluate the corrosion resistance of the fins.