Decorative color aluminum strips, 0.20 to 1.20mm
Decorative color aluminum strips in the 0.20–1.20 mm thickness range are designed for applications where a refined appearance, stable color, and light but strong structure are required. By combining high‑quality aluminum alloy with precision slitting, surface coating, and optional embossing, these strips deliver both visual appeal and reliable mechanical performance.
Decorative color aluminum strips are narrow, coil‑supplied aluminum bands with a pre‑coated or anodized surface. The product is optimized for:
- Thickness range: 0.20–1.20 mm
- Typical width range: 10–600 mm (customizable)
- Surface: Color‑coated (PE/PVDF), anodized, or brushed
- Supply form: Coil, strip, or cut‑to‑length
They are widely used in:
- Interior and exterior decorative trims
- Ceiling and wall systems
- LED lighting frames and reflector trims
- Furniture and cabinet edge bands
- Home appliance panels and trims
- Signage, label stock and display systems
The balance of light weight, corrosion resistance, and rich color selection makes them a cost‑effective alternative to painted steel, PVC trims, or stainless steel in many decorative applications.
2. Typical Alloy Grades and Chemical Composition
Decorative strips are usually based on non‑heat‑treatable alloys with good formability and surface finish, such as 1xxx, 3xxx, and 5xxx series.
Below is a representative composition range for common alloys (values in wt.%):
| Alloy | Si | Fe | Cu | Mn | Mg | Cr | Zn | Ti | Others (each) | Al |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1050 | ≤0.25 | ≤0.40 | ≤0.05 | ≤0.05 | ≤0.05 | – | ≤0.07 | ≤0.05 | ≤0.03 | Balance ≥99.5 |
| 1100 | 0.05–0.20 | ≤0.95 | 0.05–0.20 | ≤0.05 | – | – | ≤0.10 | – | ≤0.03 | Balance |
| 3003 | ≤0.60 | ≤0.70 | ≤0.05–0.20 | 1.0–1.5 | – | – | ≤0.10 | – | ≤0.05 | Balance |
| 3004 | ≤0.30 | ≤0.70 | ≤0.25 | 1.0–1.5 | 0.8–1.3 | – | ≤0.25 | – | ≤0.05 | Balance |
| 5052 | ≤0.25 | ≤0.40 | ≤0.10 | ≤0.10 | 2.2–2.8 | 0.15–0.35 | ≤0.10 | ≤0.03 | ≤0.05 | Balance |
Alloy selection guidelines:
- 1050 / 1100:
Best for deep drawing, bending, and general decorative use where high strength is not critical. - 3003 / 3004:
Improved strength and corrosion resistance, suitable for building and lighting profiles. - 5052:
Higher strength and excellent corrosion resistance; ideal for outdoor, marine, or more demanding trim.
3. Mechanical Properties and Performance
Actual mechanical properties depend on alloy and temper (H14, H16, H18, etc.), but typical ranges for 0.20–1.20 mm decorative strips are:
| Property | 1xxx Series (e.g., 1100-H14) | 3xxx Series (e.g., 3003-H14) | 5xxx Series (e.g., 5052-H32) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tensile strength (MPa) | 90–130 | 130–170 | 210–260 |
| Yield strength (0.2% proof, MPa) | 35–80 | 60–120 | 130–200 |
| Elongation (A50, %) | 12–25 | 10–20 | 7–15 |
| Density (g/cm³) | ~2.70 | ~2.73 | ~2.68 |
| Hardness (HB) | 25–45 | 35–55 | 55–75 |
performance characteristics:
- Formability:
Suitable for roll‑forming, bending, punching, and moderate deep drawing without cracking (especially 1xxx and 3xxx). - Surface stability:
Coatings are engineered for good adhesion and resistance to chalking, peeling, and discoloration. - Flatness and edge quality:
Precision leveling and slitting reduce warping, edge burrs, and strip camber, which is critical for automatic assembly lines.
4. Surface Treatment and Color Systems
The visual and durability performance of decorative strips strongly depends on the surface finishing process.
4.1 Coating Types
| Coating Type | Typical Thickness (µm) | Advantages | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Polyester (PE) | 15–25 | Cost‑effective, good color range, interior use | Furniture, indoor ceiling/wall |
| High‑durability PE | 20–28 | Better UV and chalking resistance | Semi‑outdoor cladding, signage |
| PVDF | 25–30 | Excellent UV, chemical and weather resistance | Facades, exterior trims |
| Anodized | 5–20 (oxide layer) | Metallic aesthetic, good hardness, scratch resistance | Electronics, premium trims |
4.2 Surface Finish Options
| Finish Type | Description | Visual Effect |
|---|---|---|
| High gloss | Gloss level ≥70 GU | Mirror‑like, vivid colors |
| Matte / Silk matte | Gloss level 10–40 GU | Soft, low‑reflection surface |
| Brushed | Linear texture along rolling direction | Metallic, “stainless‑like” look |
| Embossed | Stucco, leather, or custom patterns | Increased rigidity, hides defects |
| Wood / Marble grain | Printed pattern + clear coat | Imitation of natural materials |
Color matching is usually performed according to RAL, Pantone, or customer samples with tight ΔE control for batch‑to‑batch consistency.
5. Dimensional and Technical Specifications
5.1 Dimensional Range
| Parameter | Standard Range | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Thickness | 0.20–1.20 mm | Tolerance typically ±0.02–0.05 mm |
| Width | 10–600 mm | Wider or narrower on request |
| Coil inner core | 150, 200, 300, 405 mm | Steel or paper core |
| Coil outer diameter | 600–1,200 mm | Depending on strip thickness and length |
| Coil weight | 200–3,000 kg | Customization for specific equipment |
5.2 Standard Tolerances (Typical)
| Item | Standard Value (Typical) |
|---|---|
| Thickness tolerance | ±3–5% of nominal thickness |
| Width tolerance | ±0.10–0.20 mm |
| Flatness | ≤2 mm per 1,000 mm length |
| Coil side waviness | ≤3 mm per 1,000 mm width |
| Edge burr height | ≤0.02–0.03 mm |
| Color deviation (ΔE) | ≤1.0–1.5 (against master sample) |
6. Functional Benefits
6.1 Aesthetic and Design Flexibility
- Wide color palette including RAL solids, metallics, and special textures.
- Stable gloss and hue under indoor and outdoor conditions (especially with PVDF).
- Custom finishes such as wood grain or brushed effects allow aluminum to imitate higher‑cost materials while retaining low weight and good workability.
6.2 Light Weight and Structural Efficiency
Aluminum’s low density (~2.7 g/cm³) reduces the overall weight of panels, trims, and frames. This translates to:
- Lower load on support structures and fasteners.
- Easier handling and faster installation on site or in assembly lines.
- Reduced transportation costs compared with steel trims of similar stiffness.
6.3 Corrosion and Weather Resistance
- Natural oxide film + additional coating or anodizing provides multi‑layer protection.
- Especially in marine or industrial atmospheres, 5xxx series + PVDF systems maintain appearance and structural integrity over a long service life.
- Good resistance to humidity, condensation, and mild chemicals encountered in interiors and facades.
6.4 Processability and Productivity
- Compatible with shearing, punching, routing, roll‑forming, bending, crimping, and gluing.
- Smooth coatings designed to resist micro‑cracking during forming at recommended radii.
- Clean slit edges minimize tool wear and reduce rework in downstream operations.
7. Typical Application Scenarios
7.1 Building and Interior Decoration
- Ceiling T‑bars, edge trims, and panel joining strips
- Wall panel borders, corner guards, skirting profiles
- Partition frames and decorative reveals
- Door and window decorative beads
Benefits:
Uniform color, good alignment with architectural color systems (RAL), and long‑term resistance to indoor humidity and cleaning chemicals.
7.2 Furniture and Cabinetry
- Wardrobe and cabinet trims
- Shelf edges and profile handles
- Decorative stripes on tables, doors, and panels
Benefits:
Lightweight design, easy machining, and the ability to match or contrast wood textures and lacquered surfaces.
7.3 Lighting and Electrical
- LED panel and strip light frames
- Reflector trims for downlights and spotlights
- Decorative rings for switches and sockets
Benefits:
Good reflectivity (especially for white or metallic finishes), excellent heat dissipation, and precise fit due to tight thickness and width control.
7.4 Home Appliances and Consumer Goods
- Decorative lines and frames on refrigerators, ovens, and dishwashers
- TV and monitor bezels, audio equipment trims
- Small appliance panels and nameplates
Benefits:
Premium appearance, scratch‑resistant surface options, and resistance to household detergents and moderate heat.
7.5 Signage and Display Systems
- Banner and lightbox frames
- Directional sign trims and clamping profiles
- Label strips and holder rails in retail shelving
Benefits:
Color‑fastness under lighting, corrosion resistance, and ease of cutting and drilling on site.
8. Quality, Standards, and Testing
Decorative color aluminum strips are typically produced in accordance with:
- Base material: EN 485 / EN 573, ASTM B209 or equivalent
- Coating quality: EN 13523 test methods for coil coatings
- Appearance: Visual inspection for pinholes, scratches, color deviation, and surface defects
Representative tests and targets:
| Test Item | Method (Example) | Typical Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Coating thickness | Magnetic / Eddy current | Within specified range (e.g., 18–25 µm per side) |
| Pencil hardness | EN 13523‑4 | ≥HB–H (PE), ≥H–2H (PVDF) |
| Adhesion (cross‑cut) | EN 13523‑6 | Class 0–1, no flaking |
| Impact resistance | EN 13523‑5 | No cracking or peeling at specified energy |
| Bend test (T‑bend) | EN 13523‑7 | 0–2T without cracking (depending on system) |
| Salt spray (neutral) | ISO 9227 | No blistering, minimal creep at scribe after specified hours |
| UV aging (QUV) | EN 13523‑10 | Limited gloss loss and ΔE within specification |
9. Handling, Storage, and Processing Recommendations
- Store coils indoors, in dry, ventilated areas; avoid contact with water or condensation.
- Keep in original packaging until use; protect edges from impact.
- During processing, use clean, defect‑free tooling to avoid scratches and press marks.
- Respect recommended minimum bending radius (typically ≥1–2× thickness, depending on alloy and coating) to prevent micro‑cracks.
- Remove protective films shortly before or immediately after installation; avoid long‑term UV exposure of the film.
| Feature | Customer Benefit |
|---|---|
| Thickness 0.20–1.20 mm | Covers both light decorative and structural trim needs |
| Multiple alloys (1xxx/3xxx/5xxx) | Tailored strength, formability, and corrosion resistance |
| Rich color and finish options | High design freedom, consistent brand image |
| Precise tolerances | Excellent fit in automated assembly and high‑end products |
| Durable coatings (PE, PVDF, anodized) | Long service life indoors and outdoors |
| Lightweight and recyclable | Reduced structural load and sustainable material choice |
Decorative color aluminum strips in the 0.20–1.20 mm range provide a balanced solution for manufacturers and designers seeking attractive, durable, and easily processable materials for trims and profiles across construction, furniture, lighting, and appliances.
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