Frequently Asked Questions

We offer a comprehensive range of aluminum alloys across all major series: 1xxx (1060, 1100), 2xxx (2024), 3xxx (3003, 3004, 3105), 5xxx (5052, 5083, 5086, 5754), 6xxx (6061, 6063, 6082), 7xxx (7050, 7075), and 8xxx (8011). Our products include sheet, plate, bar (round, flat, square), coil, strip, and circle/disc forms. Visit our Alloy Selection Guide for detailed comparisons.

The distinction is based on thickness. Aluminum sheet is typically 0.2mm to 6.0mm thick and is used for applications like enclosures, panels, and forming. Aluminum plate is 6.0mm and above (up to 200mm+), used for structural applications, machining, mold making, and heavy-duty construction. Both are available in the same alloy grades but plate products generally require more stringent quality testing, especially for aerospace and marine applications.

For marine applications, the 5xxx series alloys are the gold standard. 5083-H116 is the most widely specified marine grade aluminum, offering exceptional saltwater corrosion resistance and is certified by DNV, BV, ABS, and Lloyd's for hull construction. 5086-H116 is another popular choice. For less demanding marine hardware and fittings, 5052-H32 provides excellent corrosion resistance at a lower cost. We strongly recommend avoiding 2xxx and 7xxx series alloys in marine environments. See our marine solutions page for details.

Temper designations indicate how the aluminum was processed after casting, which directly affects its mechanical properties. O = Annealed (fully soft, maximum formability). H = Strain hardened (for non-heat-treatable alloys like 3003, 5052), with H32 being quarter-hard and H34 being half-hard. T = Heat treated (for alloys like 6061, 7075), with T6 being the most common peak-strength condition. Choosing the right temper is as important as choosing the right alloy. Our Alloy Selection Guide covers temper designations in detail.

Yes, we supply aluminum coil in a wide range of alloys (1060, 3003, 3004, 5052, 5083, 5754, 6061, 8011) and thicknesses from 0.2mm to 8.0mm. Standard coil widths range from 100mm to 2000mm, with inner diameter options of 508mm or 610mm. We can also slit coils to custom widths. Coil form is ideal for high-volume production, stamping, and continuous processing lines. Minimum order for coil is typically 3-5 tons depending on alloy and size.

Our standard surface finish is mill finish (as-rolled), which is suitable for most industrial and structural applications. We also offer PVC film protection on one or both sides to prevent scratching during transport and fabrication. Additionally, we supply specialized finishes including anodized (clear and color), brushed, mirror/polished, embossed (stucco, diamond), and color-coated (PVDF, PE) aluminum. Special finish requirements should be specified at the time of quoting.

Our standard minimum order quantity (MOQ) is 1 metric ton (1,000 kg) for most alloys and standard sizes. For specialty alloys (2024, 7075, 7050) or non-standard dimensions, the MOQ may be 2-5 tons depending on the production schedule. For trial orders, we can sometimes accommodate smaller quantities of 500 kg for stocked items. Contact our sales team for specific MOQ requirements for your product.

You can request a quote through our online quote form, by email at sales@aluminiumetals.com, or via WhatsApp. To receive an accurate quote quickly, please include: alloy grade, temper, thickness, width, length (or coil specifications), quantity in kg or tons, destination port/country, and any special requirements (certifications, surface finish, packaging). We typically respond within 24 hours with pricing, availability, and estimated lead time.

We accept several payment methods: T/T (Telegraphic Transfer) with 30% deposit and 70% balance before shipment is our standard term. We also accept L/C (Letter of Credit) at sight for orders above $50,000, which provides security for both parties. For established customers with good track records, we may offer D/P (Documents against Payment) or credit terms on a case-by-case basis. Western Union and PayPal are available for smaller orders.

Yes, we encourage sampling before bulk orders. Small material samples (typically A4 size or small cut pieces) can be provided free of charge — you only pay for the courier shipping cost (DHL/FedEx). For larger sample quantities needed for testing or prototyping, we can quote competitive pricing with no MOQ restriction. Sample lead time is usually 3-5 working days. Mill test certificates can be provided with samples so you can verify the material quality before committing to a large order.

Yes, for customers with consistent annual demand (typically 50+ tons/year), we offer annual framework agreements with preferential pricing and guaranteed supply. These agreements can include fixed pricing for a defined period, priority production scheduling, and dedicated inventory. This protects you from market price volatility and ensures supply continuity. Contact our sales team to discuss your annual requirements and we will prepare a customized proposal.

Yes, we offer custom sizing for most products. Sheet and plate can be cut to your specified dimensions using shearing, sawing, or waterjet cutting. Coils can be slit to custom widths. Round and flat bars can be cut to custom lengths. Our production mill can also roll non-standard widths and thicknesses if the volume justifies a dedicated production run (typically 5+ tons). Custom sizes may require slightly longer lead times than standard stock items. Please specify your exact dimensions when requesting a quote.

Our thickness range depends on the product form: Aluminum sheet: 0.2mm to 6.0mm. Aluminum plate: 6.0mm to 200mm (up to 300mm for select alloys). Aluminum foil: 0.006mm to 0.2mm. Round bar: 5mm to 500mm diameter. Flat bar: 3mm to 100mm thick, 10mm to 300mm wide. Standard thickness tolerances comply with ASTM B209 / EN 485 standards. Tighter tolerances are available upon request for precision applications.

Yes, every shipment includes a Mill Test Certificate (MTC) / Certificate of Conformance at no additional cost. Our MTCs include chemical composition analysis, mechanical property test results (tensile strength, yield strength, elongation), and dimensional verification. For marine grade products, we provide classification society certificates (DNV, BV, ABS, Lloyd's) as required. Third-party inspection reports (SGS, Bureau Veritas) can also be arranged at the buyer's request.

Yes, we manufacture and supply aluminum products to all major international standards: ASTM (B209, B211, B221 — primarily for North American markets), EN (EN 485, EN 573, EN 755 — for European markets), JIS (for Japanese market requirements), GB/T (Chinese national standards), and DNV/BV/ABS (for marine and offshore applications). Please specify your required standard when requesting a quote, and we will ensure the material meets all applicable specifications.

Lead times depend on the product and order volume: Stock items (common alloys and sizes): 7-15 working days from order confirmation. Production orders (custom sizes or specialty alloys): 20-35 working days. Large volume orders (50+ tons): 30-45 working days. These timelines include production, quality inspection, packaging, and delivery to the port. Sea freight transit time to your destination port is additional (typically 15-35 days depending on the route). We provide tracking information and keep you updated throughout the process.

We use professional export-standard packaging to protect materials during ocean transport: Sheet and plate: Interleaved with paper or PVC film between sheets, wrapped in moisture-barrier plastic film, bundled with steel straps, and loaded on fumigation-free wooden pallets or in wooden cases. Coils: Eye-to-sky orientation on wooden pallets, wrapped with VCI (Vapor Corrosion Inhibitor) paper and stretch film. Bars: Bundled in hexagonal packs with plastic end caps and steel strapping. All packaging is seaworthy and meets international shipping standards. Custom packaging can be arranged upon request.

We offer flexible Incoterms to suit your needs: FOB (Free on Board) — our most common term, where we deliver to the port and you arrange sea freight. Main loading ports: Shanghai, Ningbo, Qingdao, Tianjin. CIF (Cost, Insurance, Freight) — we handle everything including sea freight and insurance to your destination port. CFR (Cost and Freight) — similar to CIF but without insurance. EXW (Ex Works) — available for customers who prefer to arrange all logistics. We can also arrange door-to-door delivery via our freight forwarding partners for most global destinations.

We export to over 50 countries worldwide and have extensive experience with international shipping. Our main export markets include: Southeast Asia (Vietnam, Indonesia, Thailand, Philippines, Malaysia), Middle East (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Oman, Qatar), Africa (Nigeria, South Africa, Egypt, Kenya), South America (Brazil, Colombia, Chile), Europe (Germany, Netherlands, UK, Turkey), North America, and Australia. If your country is not listed, please contact us — we likely have experience shipping there. We handle all export documentation including commercial invoices, packing lists, certificates of origin, and customs declarations.

Our manufacturing facility and products hold the following certifications: ISO 9001:2015 — Quality Management System. ISO 14001:2015 — Environmental Management System. SGS — Regular factory audits and product testing. DNV / BV / ABS / Lloyd's — Classification society approvals for marine-grade aluminum plate. ASTM / EN Standards Compliance — Products tested and certified to relevant international standards. We also maintain CE marking capability for European market requirements. Copies of all certificates are available upon request.

Yes, ultrasonic testing (UT) is performed on aluminum plate as required. For marine-grade plates (5083-H116, 5086-H116), UT inspection is standard per classification society requirements. For aerospace plate (2024, 7075) and mold/tooling plate (6061-T651, 7075-T651), we perform UT inspection to ASTM B594 / EN 583 standards. UT testing detects internal defects such as porosity, inclusions, and delamination that are invisible to surface inspection. Test reports with acceptance criteria are included in the documentation package.

Quality consistency is maintained through a multi-stage process: Incoming material inspection — chemical composition verification using spectrometry. In-process controls — dimensional checks, surface quality inspection, and temper verification during production. Final inspection — mechanical testing (tensile, hardness), dimensional accuracy measurement, surface quality assessment, and ultrasonic testing where applicable. Traceability — every product is traceable back to the original cast/heat number. Third-party audits — regular SGS factory audits and customer audits. We maintain a defect rate below 0.5% across all product lines.

If you receive material that does not meet the agreed specifications, please contact us within 30 days of delivery with detailed documentation including photographs, measurement data, and/or third-party test reports. Our quality team will review the claim promptly. If the material is confirmed non-conforming, we offer the following resolutions: replacement with conforming material at no extra cost, price adjustment/credit for materials that can still be used for alternative applications, or full refund for materials that are completely unusable. We take quality claims seriously and aim to resolve all issues within 7 working days.

Yes, we accept returns for defective products that do not meet the agreed specifications. The return process involves: (1) documenting the defect with photos and measurements, (2) submitting a claim to our quality department, (3) receiving approval and return shipping instructions. For confirmed defective material, we cover the return shipping cost and provide replacement material or a full refund. Due to the nature of international shipping, we often find it more practical to arrange a price credit or replacement shipment rather than a physical return, depending on the situation and your preference.

Yes, our engineering team provides complimentary technical support to help you get the most from our products. Services include: Alloy and temper selection — recommending the best material for your application. Fabrication guidance — welding, forming, anodizing, and machining recommendations. Design consultation — thickness optimization, weight reduction, and material substitution advice. Standards compliance — helping you navigate ASTM, EN, DNV, and other specifications. You can reach our technical team via email, phone, or WhatsApp. We also publish free resources including our Alloy Selection Guide and Weight Calculator.