In the world of metal fabrication, the 1060 aluminum circle stands as a cornerstone material. Known for its exceptional purity and versatility, this aluminum disc is the “bread and butter” of the cookware and lighting industries. Whether you are deep drawing a professional-grade stockpot or spinning a high-reflectivity lampshade, understanding the nuances of the 1060 alloy is the first step toward a perfect finished product.
As a high-purity alloy containing at least 99.6% aluminum, the 1060 series offers unique advantages that higher-strength alloys simply cannot match. In this guide, we dive deep into the technical specifications, manufacturing secrets, and global market trends that make these aluminum circles a global favorite.
1. Technical Specifications and Parameter Deep Dive
When you order 1060 aluminum circles, precision is everything. A minor deviation in thickness or a slight change in temper can lead to cracks during the drawing process or “orange peel” textures on the surface. To help your engineering team make the right choice, we have detailed the core parameters below.
Chemical Composition of 1060 Alloy
The performance of the aluminum circle sheet starts at the molecular level. The 1060 alloy is prized for its high purity.
| Element | Content (%) |
| Aluminum (Al) | 99.6% (Minimum) |
| Silicon (Si) | 0.25% (Maximum) |
| Iron (Fe) | 0.35% (Maximum) |
| Copper (Cu) | 0.05% (Maximum) |
| Manganese (Mn) | 0.03% (Maximum) |
| Magnesium (Mg) | 0.03% (Maximum) |
| Zinc (Zn) | 0.05% (Maximum) |
| Titanium (Ti) | 0.03% (Maximum) |
| Vanadium (V) | 0.05% (Maximum) |
Mechanical Properties by Temper
Depending on your production method—be it simple spinning or complex deep drawing—you must select the correct temper. “O” temper (fully annealed) is the most popular for cookware because it offers the highest elongation.
| Temper | Tensile Strength (MPa) | Yield Strength (MPa) | Elongation (%) | Hardness (HB) |
| 1060-O | 60 – 95 | 20 – 30 | ≥ 30 – 35 | 20 – 25 |
| 1060-H12 | 85 – 120 | 70 – 80 | ≥ 10 | 25 – 30 |
| 1060-H14 | 100 – 140 | 85 – 95 | ≥ 8 | 30 – 35 |
| 1060-H18 | ≥ 150 | ≥ 130 | ≥ 4 | 35 – 45 |
Physical Properties of 1060 Aluminum Circle
Engineers choose 1060 because of its physical stability and high conductivity.
| Property | Value |
| Density | 2.71 g/cm³ |
| Melting Point | 646°C – 657°C |
| Thermal Conductivity (25°C) | 234 W/(m·K) |
| Electrical Conductivity | 62% IACS |
| Modulus of Elasticity | 69 GPa |
2. Dimensional Availability and Customization Options
We understand that every factory has different machinery. Our production lines accommodate a wide range of sizes to ensure you minimize scrap and maximize profit.
Standard Size Range for Aluminum Circles
- Thickness: 0.30mm to 6.50mm (Custom gauges available upon request).
- Diameter: 100mm to 1250mm (Precise punching ensures smooth edges).
- Tolerance: Diameter ± 0.5mm, Thickness ± 0.02mm.
Surface Quality and Finish
The surface of the 1060 aluminum circle must be flawless for high-end applications. We offer several finishes:
- Mill Finish: The standard finish, free from oil stains, scratches, or oxidation marks.
- Bright Finish: Ideal for items that require a mirror-like shine after simple polishing.
- PE Coated: We apply a protective film to prevent surface damage during transport or light processing.
- Color Coated: For specific decorative uses, we can provide pre-painted aluminum discs in various RAL colors.
3. Why the 1060 Alloy is the King of Cookware
If you walk into any professional kitchen, you are likely surrounded by products made from aluminum circle 1060. But why this specific alloy?
Superior Thermal Conductivity
1060 aluminum transfers heat faster than stainless steel or iron. In a frying pan or a pressure cooker, this means the food cooks evenly without “hot spots.” This efficiency saves energy and improves the cooking experience.
Exceptional Formability
Because 1060 is a soft, pure alloy, it handles extreme deformation without tearing. When you use a deep-drawing hydraulic press to create a tall stockpot, the 1060-O temper material flows smoothly into the mold. This reduces your “reject rate” and saves you money on raw materials.
Food-Grade Safety
Aluminum naturally creates a thin, invisible oxide layer that prevents the metal from reacting with food. The 1060 alloy is non-toxic and odorless, making it perfectly safe for household and commercial kitchenware.
4. Key Applications: Where Do These Circles Go?
The versatility of the 1060 aluminum circle allows it to serve multiple industries beyond just the kitchen.
The Lighting Industry
High-purity aluminum has excellent light reflectivity. Manufacturers use 1060 discs to spin into:
- Lampshades for industrial warehouses.
- LED downlight reflectors.
- Professional stage lighting components.The material is easy to polish and anodize to achieve a silver or gold reflective surface.
The Construction and Traffic Sector
You might see 1060 aluminum every day on the road. Because it resists corrosion so well, it is the standard base for:
- Circular traffic signs and road markers.
- Street nameplates.
- Advertising billboards.The material doesn’t rust, even in rainy or coastal environments.
Industrial Components
From capacitor shells in electronics to pressure vessel ends in chemical plants, the aluminum circle provides a reliable, easy-to-seal solution. Its electrical conductivity also makes it useful in specialized electrical shielding applications.
5. Manufacturing Excellence: DC vs. CC Material
One of the most common questions from buyers is: “Should I buy DC or CC material?” As a professional aluminum circle supplier, we provide both, but the choice depends on your end-use.
DC (Direct Chill Casting) Quality
- Process: We cast the aluminum into large slabs, then hot-roll them.
- Advantages: It has a very fine grain structure. It is the only choice for deep drawing.
- Result: No “orange peel” effect, and it can reach high elongation rates (over 35%). Use this for pressure cookers and high-end non-stick pans.
CC (Continuous Casting) Quality
- Process: The molten aluminum is continuously cast and cold-rolled into coils.
- Advantages: It is more cost-effective and has a shorter production cycle.
- Result: Perfectly suitable for spinning, flat signs, and shallow trays. If your product doesn’t require deep stretching, CC material will save you 5–10% in costs.
6. Avoiding the “Orange Peel” and Other Quality Issues
In the aluminum industry, “Orange Peel” refers to a rough surface texture that appears after the metal is stretched. This is a nightmare for manufacturers who want a mirror-polished finish.
To prevent this, we control the grain size during the annealing process. If the grain is too large, the surface becomes rough. If it is too small, the metal becomes brittle. Our engineers use precise temperature-controlled furnaces to ensure every batch of 1060 aluminum circles has a uniform, fine-grain structure. This allows you to achieve a “piano-smooth” finish after drawing.
7. Global Export: Serving International Markets
We have spent years building a robust supply chain to deliver high-quality aluminum discs to every corner of the globe. We understand that different regions have different needs.
| Region | Primary Use Case | Preferred Specifications |
| Southeast Asia (Vietnam, Thailand) | High-end non-stick cookware | 2.0mm – 4.0mm, DC Quality, O Temper |
| Middle East (UAE, Saudi Arabia) | Lighting reflectors & construction | 1.0mm – 1.5mm, CC Quality, Bright Finish |
| Africa (Nigeria, Kenya) | Basic kitchen utensils & pots | 0.5mm – 1.2mm, CC Quality, O Temper |
| South America (Brazil, Mexico) | Industrial signs & automotive parts | 1.5mm – 3.0mm, H14 Temper |
We provide all necessary documentation, including MTC (Mill Test Certificates), CO (Certificate of Origin), and SGS inspection reports to ensure smooth customs clearance.
8. Packaging and Logistics: Protecting Your Investment
Aluminum is a “living” metal; it reacts with moisture. If water gets between the circles during shipping, it causes white rust (oxidation). We take packaging seriously to ensure your aluminum circle price includes the peace of mind that the goods arrive safely.
- Standard Export Packaging: We place the circles on strong wooden pallets that can withstand sea freight.
- Moisture Protection: Each stack is wrapped in plastic film, followed by waterproof Kraft paper.
- Desiccant: We include silica gel packets inside the wrapping to absorb any ambient moisture.
- Structural Integrity: We use steel or plastic bands to secure the load, preventing the circles from shifting and scratching each other.
9. Determining the Price of 1060 Aluminum Circles
The aluminum circle price is not a fixed number. It consists of two main parts:
- The Aluminum Ingot Price: This is based on the daily SMM or LME (London Metal Exchange) rates.
- The Fabrication Fee: This covers the cost of melting, rolling, punching, annealing, and packaging.
To get the best deal, we recommend ordering in full container loads (approx. 20–25 tons). This spreads the fixed shipping and handling costs across a larger volume, significantly lowering your unit price.
10. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the difference between 1060 and 1050 aluminum circles?
The difference is tiny. 1060 contains 99.6% aluminum, while 1050 contains 99.5%. In 99% of applications, they are interchangeable. 1060 is slightly better for electrical and chemical applications due to the higher purity.
Can I get a sample before placing a bulk order?
Absolutely. We encourage testing. We can provide standard-size samples (e.g., 300mm diameter) so you can test the drawing and spinning performance on your own machines.
How do I know if I need DC or CC material?
If your product depth is greater than its diameter (like a tall stockpot), you definitely need DC material. If you are making a flat pizza tray or a shallow frying pan, CC material is usually sufficient and more economical.
What is the standard lead time?
Typically, we can complete a custom order in 20 to 30 days. This includes the time needed for rolling the coils and the precision punching process.
Conclusion: Partner with a Professional Supplier
Choosing the right 1060 aluminum circle is about more than just finding the lowest price. It is about finding a partner who understands the science of metallurgy and the realities of your production line. Whether you need the extreme ductility of DC-quality discs or the cost-effective reliability of CC-quality circles, we have the expertise to deliver.
Improve your product quality, reduce your scrap rate, and grow your brand with our premium aluminum solutions. Reach out to our team today for a customized quote and let’s start building your success, one circle at a time.