Foil rolling
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Foil rolling is a continuous deformation process compressing metal between a pair of rollers called work rolls [1].
Foil is produced for several applications:
- Thermal insulation for the construction industry
- Fin stock for air conditioners
- Electrical coils for transformers
- Capacitors for radios and televisions
- Insulation for storage tanks
- Decorative products
- Containers and packaging
Foil stock is reduced in thickness by a rolling mill, where the material is passed several times through metal work rolls. As the sheets of metal pass through the rolls, they are squeezed thinner and extruded through the gap between the rolls. The work rolls are paired with heavier rolls called backup rolls, which apply pressure to help maintain the stability of the work rolls. The work and backup rolls rotate in opposite directions. As the foil sheets come through the rollers, they are trimmed and slitted with circular or razor-like knives installed on the rolling mill. Trimming refers to the edges of the foil, while slitting involves cutting it into several sheets [2].
Aluminum alloys are most commonly produced in the foil rolling process because the raw materials necessary for its manufacture are abundant. Aluminum foil is inexpensive, durable, non-toxic, and greaseproof. Iron, Silicon, and Manganese are all major alloying elements. Sheet metals with a thickness below 200 micrometers are considered foils (Some foils may be as thin as 6.3 micrometers) [3].
