Aluminium foil 3003 H24 lubricated both sides for making containers is typically 0.03-0.08mm thick, it’s lightweight while maintaining a certain degree of rigidity to resist deformation after filling. 3003 aluminum foil is an Al-Mn alloy. The addition of manganese imparts excellent rust resistance while maintaining good formability, weldability, and corrosion resistance. Its strength is approximately 10% higher than 1100 pure aluminum, making it suitable for processing complex containers. H24 indicates that the 3003 aluminium foil has undergone work-hardening and partial annealing, combining strength and ductility. This aluminum foil exhibits uniform thickness, a smooth surface, and resistance to cracking, making it suitable for stamping. The double sided lubrication process reduces friction between the foil and the mold, preventing sticking and improving container demolding efficiency. Lubrication also isolates the aluminum foil from direct contact with food, reducing the risk of metal migration and meeting food safety standards.
Suitability for Disposable Food Containers Making
- Processing
– Stamping: The ductility of 3003 H24 aluminum foil allows it to be stamped into various shapes (such as round and square lunch boxes) using dies, resulting in smooth, burr-free edges.
– Deep Drawing: Suitable for multi-cavity lunch boxes or special-shaped food containers, it exhibits minimal springback and high dimensional stability after forming.
– Coating Compatibility: Compatible with food-grade coatings (such as epoxy resins and polyesters) to enhance corrosion resistance and printability.
- Hygiene and Safety
– Surface Cleanliness: Oil stains, shiny lines, and other inclusions are strictly controlled during the production process to ensure the container’s interior is free of contamination.
– Heavy Metal Control: Bacteria and mold testing have been completed, with a heavy metal content of ≤0.25 ppm, meeting FDA and EU food contact material standards.
– Environmental Protection: Aluminum foil is recyclable and does not produce toxic gases when burned, meeting sustainable development requirements.
- Cost-Effectiveness
– Raw Material Cost: 3003 aluminum foil for food containers is reasonably priced, and the added cost of the oiling process can be amortized through large-scale production.
– Processing Efficiency: High ductility reduces scrap, and double-sided oiling reduces mold wear, resulting in a lower overall cost than 3004 aluminum alloy.
Application Scenarios
Based on the properties of 3003 H24 lubricated aluminum foil for container, it is primarily used in the following disposable food containers, covering catering, baking, and retail sectors:
– Baking Containers: Egg tart trays, cake molds, and pizza pans (high-temperature resistant and non-stick, allowing for easy demolding after baking).
– Takeout/Dockside Lunch Boxes: Rectangular shallow trays and round lunch boxes (grease-resistant and leak-proof, suitable for directly storing hot food).
– Ready-to-eat Food Trays: Sausage trays, fried chicken trays, and sushi trays (lightweight and easily shaped, suitable for retail display).
– Disposable Kitchenware: Aluminum foil bowls (such as instant noodle bowls and soup bowls, suitable for direct heating over an open flame or in a water bath).
– Airline catering: Its excellent sealing properties help maintain food temperature, while the foil’s metallic luster enhances the quality of the meal.
3003 H24 aluminum foil lubricated both sides offers significant advantages in formability, cost, and hygiene standards, making it particularly suitable for manufacturing multi-cavity, custom-shaped, disposable food containers. Its market share exceeds that of 3004 aluminum alloy and it is gradually replacing aluminum 8011 alloy in high-end food delivery and airline catering applications.
