Aluminium Fin Stock | Haomei Aluminum

Aluminium Fin Stock Basic Introduction

Definition and Application of Aluminium Fin Stock

Aluminium fins are heat dissipation components processed through specific techniques using aluminum as the core material, enhancing heat exchange efficiency by increasing surface area.

Aluminium fins are metal components designed to enhance heat exchange efficiency, characterized by their light weight, high thermal conductivity, and corrosion resistance. Their core function is to enlarge the heat exchange surface area, optimize fluid flow paths, and improve the heat transfer rate.

Aluminium fin stock refers to a special form of aluminum coil or foil (typically 0.06–0.25 mm thick), used to manufacture heat exchanger fins. These fins increase the surface area of heat exchange systems, thereby improving heat transfer efficiency across various applications such as HVAC systems and automotive radiators. Their design prioritizes optimal heat dissipation while minimizing weight and material consumption.

Aluminium fin stock is a specialized aluminum alloy material mainly used in the manufacturing of heat exchangers, radiators, and air conditioning systems. It is widely used for automotive radiators, heat shields, and various heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) equipment. Its excellent thermal conductivity, lightweight nature, and corrosion resistance make it an ideal choice for efficient heat transfer applications.

Coating treatment is applied to aluminium fin tubes to enhance corrosion resistance and extend service life. The coating helps prevent metal degradation from corrosion and other external factors during long-term use.

Aluminium Fin Stock

The Role of Aluminium Fin Stock in Heat Dissipation

Aluminium fins play a central role in heat dissipation systems as the core heat exchange medium. Their essential function is to efficiently transfer heat from the source to the environment by significantly increasing the surface area and optimizing heat conduction pathways.

Four Core Functions of Aluminium Fins

Function	Principle Explanation	Practical Effect
Expand Heat Dissipation Surface Area	Through dense fin arrays (e.g., louvered/wavy designs), the surface area is increased by 10–100 times compared to the base	Significantly increases contact area with air, accelerating convective heat exchange
Establish Efficient Thermal Conduction Path	Aluminium's high thermal conductivity (237 W/m·K) rapidly transfers heat from the source (e.g., copper tubes/chips) to the fin ends	Reduces local temperature of the heat source, avoiding overheating damage
Enhance Air Convection Heat Transfer	Fin spacing creates air channels, enabling forced airflow (fan) or natural convection to carry away heat	Increases heat dissipation rate by 3–8 times per unit time (vs. flat surface without fins)
Lightweight Structural Support	Aluminium's low density (2.7 g/cm³) ensures strength while reducing overall weight	Suitable for weight-sensitive applications such as automotive and aerospace

Working Principle of Aluminium Fin Heat Dissipation

A[Heat Source (CPU/Copper Tube)] -> B[Aluminum Base Plate] -> C[Heat Conducted to Fin Root] -> D[Heat Conducted Internally in Fin (Axial)] -> E[Convection Heat Exchange between Fin Surface and Air] -> F[Heat Carried Away by Airflow]

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
Alloy	Temper	Thickness(mm)	Width (mm)	I.D.(mm)	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

Aluminium Fin Stock Materials and Properties

Main Materials of Aluminium Fin Stock

Aluminium fin stock is typically made from 1000, 3000, and 8000 series alloys, each offering a balance of strength, formability, and corrosion resistance.

Alloy Series	Common Grades	Thermal Conductivity (W/m·K)	Strength	Formability	Corrosion Resistance	Summary of Features
1000 Series	1100, 1200	High (approx. 220)	Low	Excellent	Excellent	High purity aluminum, excellent thermal conductivity and corrosion resistance, easy to form, suitable for applications requiring high thermal performance
3000 Series	3003, 3102	Medium (approx. 160–190)	Medium	Good	Excellent	Manganese enhances strength, good formability and weldability, balanced properties, widely used
8000 Series	8011, 8079	Medium (approx. 120–150)	Medium to High	Good	Excellent	Contains iron, silicon and other elements, balances strength and flexibility, suitable for deep drawing and complex-shaped fins

It comes in various forms, including:

Bare fin stock: Uncoated aluminum material used in standard applications.
Hydrophilic fin stock: Coated to enhance water dispersion, reduce water accumulation, and improve heat exchange efficiency.
Hydrophobic epoxy-coated fin stock: Specifically designed for applications requiring additional moisture and corrosion protection.

Alloy Series	Key Alloys	Features	Typical Tempers
1000	1100, 1200	>99% purity, high conductivity	O, H18, H22
3000	3003, 3102	Manganese-enhanced strength	H14, H24, H26
8000	8011, 8079	Iron-silicon optimized for formability	O, H24, H18

Aluminium fin stock is typically made from 1000, 3000, and 8000 series alloys, each offering a combination of strength, formability, and corrosion resistance.

1000: 1100, 1200
3000: 3003, 3102
8000: 8011, 8079

Thermal Conductivity of Different Aluminium Fin Stock Materials

The thermal conductivity of aluminum fins greatly affects heat exchange efficiency:

1100/1200 (pure aluminum): Thermal conductivity up to 220 W/m·K, the best among fin materials, suitable for high-efficiency cooling devices (e.g., high-end air conditioners, condensers).
3003/3102: Thermal conductivity between 160–190 W/m·K, lower than pure aluminum but offers better mechanical strength and corrosion resistance, ideal for equipment requiring both heat dissipation and mechanical durability.
8011/8079: Slightly lower thermal conductivity (about 130–150 W/m·K), but excellent ductility and pressure resistance, widely used for complex-formed fins (e.g., corrugated fins, densely arranged fins).

Influence of Material on Aluminium Fin Stock Performance

Performance Indicator	1000 Series (1100, 1200)	3000 Series (3003, 3102)	8000 Series (8011, 8079)
Thermal Conductivity	Excellent, high purity aluminum with superior thermal efficiency	Good, slightly lower than 1000 series but still meets heat exchange requirements	Moderate to low, suitable for general heat exchange applications
Strength	Low, limited mechanical load-bearing capacity	Moderate to high, good structural strength	Moderate to high, suitable for applications requiring post-forming strength
Formability	Excellent, highly ductile, suitable for deep drawing	Good, suitable for regular stamping and rolling processes	Excellent, especially suitable for complex and ultra-thin structures
Corrosion Resistance	Outstanding, suitable for neutral or mildly corrosive environments	Excellent, adaptable to humid or mildly acidic/alkaline environments	Good, with stable oxidation and corrosion resistance
Suitable Applications	Scenarios requiring high thermal conductivity, such as high-end heat exchangers	General-purpose fins, suitable for air conditioners, automobiles, etc.	Deep-drawing and thin-structure applications, such as hydrophilic fins and energy-saving designs

Aluminium Fin Stock Application Recommendations (Based on Different Application Requirements)

Application Scenario	Recommended Alloy	Reason
High-Efficiency Energy-Saving Air Conditioners, Condensers	1100, 1200	Best thermal conductivity, improves heat exchange efficiency
Standard Fins for Residential/Commercial Air Conditioners	3003, 3102	High cost performance, balanced strength and thermal conductivity
Complex Shapes, Ultra-Thin/Deep Drawing Fins	8011, 8079	Excellent ductility and formability

1000 series emphasizes thermal conductivity, suitable for applications requiring high heat transfer;
3000 series emphasizes balanced strength and formability, suitable for mass production of air conditioning/cooling systems;
8000 series emphasizes comprehensive deep-drawing formability, suitable for high-density fin structures or ultra-thin fins.

Aluminium Fin Stock Material Characteristics

Aluminum Advantages: Low density, high thermal conductivity (approx. 237 W/m·K), excellent atmospheric corrosion resistance (dense oxide film on surface)
Base Tube Selection: Carbon steel or stainless steel provides pressure-bearing strength, aluminum fins ensure efficient heat transfer; the two are seamlessly joined by expansion or welding

High Thermal Conductivity

High thermal conductivity (approx. 237 W/m·K), about 50% faster than stainless steel.
Key to achieving rapid cooling/heating cycles, significantly improves heat exchanger (e.g., radiator, HVAC, automotive systems) efficiency.

Lightweight

Low density, reduces system weight by 30–50% compared to copper.
Advantages: Improves vehicle fuel efficiency, simplifies HVAC installation processes.

Corrosion Resistance

Naturally forms a dense oxide film to resist atmospheric corrosion, saltwater, moisture, and chemical attack. Optional coatings (such as hydrophilic coatings, epoxy coatings) enhance protection, suitable for humid/harsh industrial environments.

Formability and Manufacturing Flexibility

Easily stamped into complex fin structures (such as louvered or wavy shapes) without cracking.
Blank Processing: Aluminum foil is rolled into ultra-thin and uniform sheets, ensuring precise forming of complex corrugated structures.

Core Performance of Aluminium Fin Stock

High-Efficiency Heat Transfer

The fin structure increases the heat exchange surface area by several to more than ten times compared to smooth tubes; heat is rapidly dissipated through aluminum fins. Combined with fluid disturbance designs (e.g., spiral fins inducing turbulence), heat transfer efficiency is significantly improved.

Environmental Adaptability

Corrosion Resistance: Aluminum oxide film resists moisture and mildly acidic environments; steel-aluminum composite structures withstand high-temperature, high-pressure conditions (e.g., steam systems)
Mechanical Performance: Resists vibration and deformation, maintains stability under long-term thermal cycling

Advantage	Impact on Heat Dissipation
High Thermal Conductivity	Rapid heat spreading, avoiding local hot spots (e.g., 0.2mm thin fins can still maintain >80% thermal efficiency)
Easy to Process and Form	Can be stamped into complex shapes like louvered, corrugated, or pin-type, increasing turbulence and enhancing heat transfer coefficient (h-value increase of 20%-50%)
Surface Treatment	Anodized layer (5–20μm) enhances corrosion resistance without affecting thermal conductivity (aluminum oxide thermal conductivity ≈ 30 W/m·K)
Cost Effectiveness	Aluminum costs only about 1/3 of copper; mature stamping process (single fin cost can be as low as ¥0.01–0.1)

Aluminium Fin Stock Types and Structures

Classification by Structure

Clad Fin Stock: Multi-layer (e.g., 4343/3003MOD), clad with brazing alloy. Can resist high-temperature sagging during joining processes.
Non-Clad Fin Stock: Single-layer (e.g., 1100, 8011), suitable for applications that do not require brazing.

Classification by Surface Treatment

Bare/Uncoated: Low cost, used in mild environments (currently holds less than 50% market share in HVAC).

Pre-Coated: Dominates the modern market; includes:

Hydrophobic: Water-repellent, prevents icing.
Anti-Mildew: Inhibits mold growth in indoor HVAC units.
Colored Coating: Provides aesthetic options for visible components (e.g., gold, blue).

Classification by Shape

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

Classification of Aluminium Fin Stock by Alloy

Aluminium fin stock is mainly made from 1000, 3000, and 8000 series aluminum alloys.

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.

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

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%.

Hydrophilic Aluminium Fin Stock

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 Applications

Aluminium fin stock is widely used across various industries:

HVAC systems: Used in air conditioners, evaporators, and condensers to facilitate efficient heat exchange.
Automotive industry: Applied in radiators, intercoolers, and oil coolers to regulate engine temperature.
Refrigeration industry: Used in refrigerators and freezers to maintain stable internal temperatures.
Electronics industry: Employed in heatsinks and cooling systems for electronic devices to prevent overheating.

Application	Recommended Alloy	Coating Type	Key Benefit
Marine AC Units	3003MOD	KS101 (salt-resistant)	500h salt-spray resistance
EV Battery Coolers	8079	Hydrophilic	Prevents condensation bridging
Industrial Condensers	8011	Epoxy-coated	Chemical corrosion resistance

Typical Application Scenarios Comparison of Aluminium Fin Stock

Field	Aluminium Fin Form	Heat Dissipation Requirement	Design Characteristics
Household Air Conditioner	Corrugated Fin (Thickness 0.1–0.15mm)	Medium Heat Load (500–2000W)	Louver slits to enhance airflow turbulence
Automotive Radiator	Tube-and-Fin Type (0.2–0.3mm)	Vibration Resistance + Corrosion Resistance	Surface coated with hydrophilic layer to prevent frosting
Electronic Heat Sink	Pin/Fin Array (1–5mm thickness)	High Power Density (>100W/cm²)	Combined with heat pipe to form vapor chamber base
LED Lighting	Radial Circular Fin	Natural Convection Cooling	Fin spacing >3mm to reduce wind resistance

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.

Comparison Between Aluminium Fin Stock and Other Materials

Comprehensive Comparison: Aluminium Fins vs. Other Materials

Property	Aluminium Fins	Other Materials (Copper/Stainless Steel/Steel)
Thermal Conductivity	(Approx. 237 W/m·K)	Copper > Aluminium > Steel > Stainless Steel
Density	(2.7 g/cm³, Lightweight)	Copper/Steel Heavier (Copper 8.9, Steel 7.8)
Cost	(Low)	Copper > Stainless Steel > Steel > Aluminium
Corrosion Resistance	(Requires Surface Treatment)	Stainless Steel Best, Copper Second
Workability	(Easy to Stamp/Bend)	Copper is Soft but Expensive; Stainless Steel/Steel Difficult to Process
Application Scenarios	Air Conditioning, Automotive Radiators	Special Environments (e.g., High Temperature, Severe Corrosion)

Comparison Between Copper Fins and Aluminium Fins

Parameter	Copper Fins	Aluminium Fins	Analysis
Thermal Conductivity	398 W/m·K (Best)	237 W/m·K	Copper conducts heat faster, suitable for high-efficiency heat dissipation
Density	8.96 g/cm³ (Heavier)	2.7 g/cm³ (Lightweight)	Aluminium reduces weight by over 50%, ideal for lightweight design
Cost	Expensive (about 3 times that of aluminium)	Inexpensive	Aluminium offers significant cost advantage
Corrosion Resistance	Good (but prone to sulfide blackening)	Moderate (requires anodizing or coating)	Copper is naturally corrosion-resistant; aluminium relies on surface treatment
Brazing/Welding	Difficult, requires silver solder	Easy to weld (commonly brazed or glued)	Aluminium offers higher processing efficiency
Typical Applications	High-end electronics cooling, precision instruments	Household air conditioners, automotive condensers	Copper performs better; aluminium offers better cost-performance

Conclusion: Copper is suitable for compact, high-efficiency heat dissipation scenarios; aluminium is the first choice for lightweight, low-cost applications.

Differences Between Stainless Steel Fins and Aluminium Fins

Property	Stainless Steel Fin	Aluminum Fin	Key Differences
Corrosion Resistance	(Resistant to acid/alkali and high-temperature oxidation)	(Depends on coating)	Stainless steel excels, maintenance-free
Thermal Conductivity	(15–20 W/m·K, relatively poor)	(237 W/m·K)	Aluminum's conductivity is 12 times that of stainless steel
Mechanical Strength	(High hardness, pressure resistance)	(Soft, easily deformed)	Stainless steel suits high-pressure environments
Cost	(Higher, especially 316L stainless steel)	(Low cost)	Aluminum is more economical
Application Scenarios	Chemical equipment, offshore platforms, high-temperature furnaces	Civil refrigeration, conventional heat exchangers	Stainless steel targets extreme environments

Advantages and Disadvantages Analysis of Steel-Aluminum Fins

Structural Principle

Aluminum fins are roll-bonded onto the surface of a steel pipe (or steel core), combining the characteristics of both materials.

Advantages

Thermal Expansion Matching: Coefficients of thermal expansion are close (Steel ≈ 12×10⁻⁶/K, Aluminum ≈ 23×10⁻⁶/K), reducing thermal stress cracking.
Corrosion Resistance + Thermal Conductivity: Steel base tube offers pressure resistance and corrosion protection, aluminum fins provide high thermal efficiency.
Cost Optimization: Over 30% cheaper than all-copper solutions.
Mechanical Strength: Steel core offers structural support, suitable for high-pressure piping.

Disadvantages

Complex Process: Requires precision roll-bonding, yield rate affects cost.
Interface Risk: Improper treatment at the steel-aluminum interface can lead to galvanic corrosion (requires insulation layer).
Increased Weight: 40%–60% heavier than pure aluminum fins.

Typical Applications:

Power plant air-cooled condensers, high-pressure steam heat exchange, hydraulic oil cooling in engineering machinery.

Summary and Selection Recommendations

For cost-effectiveness and lightweight needs: pure aluminum fins (e.g., home air conditioners)
For extreme corrosion/high-temperature environments: stainless steel fins (e.g., chemical equipment)
For high-efficiency heat dissipation + compact size: copper fins (e.g., server cooling modules)
For high pressure + corrosion resistance + cost balance: steel-aluminum composite fins (e.g., industrial heat exchangers)

Material	Suitable Scenarios	Use with Caution
Aluminum Fin	Medium-to-low temperature standard environments (air conditioning, automotive cooling), cost-sensitive projects	High pressure/ultra-high temperature, strongly corrosive media environments
Copper Fin	High-end cooling needs (servers, precision instruments), high-temperature industrial heat exchange	Projects prioritizing lightweight design or under tight budget constraints
Stainless Steel Fin	Highly corrosive environments (chemical, marine), high-pressure and high-temperature systems	When high-efficiency heat exchange is needed, and for conventional temperature and humidity environments
Steel-Aluminum Composite Fin	Scenarios requiring a balance of strength and thermal conductivity (power plant boilers, drying equipment), areas needing both corrosion resistance and lightweight	Continuous ultra-high temperature (>400°C) or extreme cost sensitivity

Aluminium Fin Stock Manufacturing Process

‌Extrusion‌: Aluminum tube is sleeved over the base tube (carbon steel, stainless steel, or copper), and mechanically extruded to deform into fin shapes, forming a tightly bonded composite structure at the base.
‌Winding/Rolling‌: Aluminum strip is wound or rolled onto the steel tube surface, fixed by welding or cold working.
‌Fin Shapes‌: Includes spiral (enhances fluid turbulence), straight (low flow resistance), corrugated (balance strength and heat exchange area), etc.

The production of aluminum fin stock involves several steps:

Casting: Molten aluminum is cast into slab ingots.
Rolling: The slabs are rolled into thin sheets of desired thickness.
Annealing: Heat treatment is applied to achieve specific mechanical properties.
Surface Treatment: Depending on the application, sheets may be coated to enhance corrosion resistance or hydrophilicity.

Aluminium fin stock is a widely used and essential material in thermal management applications. With high thermal conductivity, light weight, and corrosion resistance, it is a top choice across industries.

Primary Production Stages

Casting: Continuous casting of aluminum alloy into ingots
Rolling: Hot/cold rolling to reduce thickness to 0.06–0.2 mm
Annealing: Heat treatment to optimize temper states (O, H18, H24, etc.), balancing flexibility and strength
Finishing: Slitting, coating, or surface treatment

Coating Technologies

Hydrophilic Coating: Prevents water bridging between fins (e.g., Kobe Steel’s KS655), maintains airflow and reduces noise
Corrosion Resistant Coating: Multi-layer systems (e.g., KS101) withstand over 500 hours in salt spray tests
Self-Lubricating Fin Stock: Eliminates the need for external lubricants during stamping

Special Functional Types of Aluminium Fin Stock

‌Hydrophilic Aluminum Foil Fins‌: Surface coating eliminates condensation "bridging", reduces air conditioner wind resistance and noise.
‌Corrosion Resistant Coated Fins‌: Used in high humidity and polluted environments (e.g., coastal areas) to extend equipment lifespan.
‌Self-Lubricating Fins‌: Eliminates lubrication steps during processing, reducing the use of harmful solvents.

Limitations and Solutions of Aluminium Fin Stock

Problem	Cause	Improvement Measures
High Thermal Contact Resistance	Difference in thermal expansion coefficients between aluminum and copper/chip	Use soldering/thermal grease to fill gaps (thermal resistance ↓30%–50%)
Fin Efficiency Decreases with Length	Aluminum has lower thermal conductivity than copper	Optimize fin height-to-thickness ratio (usually ≤15:1), taper the tips
Inadequate Corrosion Resistance	Susceptible to oxidation in humid environments	Apply anodizing/epoxy coating/hydrophilic film protection
Low Mechanical Strength	Aluminum material is relatively soft	Use Al-Mg-Si alloy (e.g., 6063, increases hardness by 50%)

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.