Are you searching for the aluminum panels to import for your business?
This post will help you find everything about aluminum panel with detail info including aluminum panel types, price and tips on how to find reliable suppliers.
No matter you are the importer or just search for your local aluminum panel supplier, this article will save your time to source the aluminum panels.
As leading aluminium foil manufacturer, LAUVACS can guide you to choose suitable aluminum panels and more aluminium products.
Aluminum Panels Types
Aluminum panels can be classified by alloy composition, surface treatment, thickness, and application. You can confirm your desired Aluminum Panels types with these variations.
A. By Alloy Series
1xxx Series (Pure Aluminum):
99% pure aluminum, ideal for chemical equipment or electrical components due to high corrosion resistance and conductivity. Limited strength limits structural use.
3xxx Series (Manganese Alloys):
3 series aluminum panel is an aluminum-manganese alloy with manganese as the primary alloying element, which has good rust resistance, medium strength, good formability and welding performance.
Common 3 series aluminum plate models include 3003, 3004, 3105, etc. These types of aluminum plates have the following characteristics:
Rust resistance: The addition of manganese significantly improves the rust resistance of aluminum plates, making them better able to resist corrosion in humid environments
Strength: Higher than 1 series aluminum plates, it can meet some application scenarios that have certain strength requirements
Formability: It has good ductility and machinability, and is easy to perform stamping, bending, stretching and other processing operations
Welding performance: It can be connected using a variety of welding methods
5xxx Series (Magnesium Alloys):
High strength, weldability, and marine-grade corrosion resistance (e.g., AA5052, AA5083). Perfect for shipbuilding, transportation, and offshore structures.
6xxx Series (Magnesium-Silicon Alloys):
Heat-treatable and strong (e.g., AA6061, AA6063). Common in architectural frameworks, automotive parts, and machinery.
B. By Surface Treatment
Mill Finish: Raw, untreated surface for industrial applications requiring further processing.
Anodized: Electrochemical process enhancing corrosion resistance and allowing color customization (popular in architecture).
PVDF-Coated/Painted: Polyvinylidene fluoride coatings provide UV resistance and vibrant finishes for façades and decorative panels.
Embossed/Textured: Adds anti-slip properties or aesthetic patterns for flooring or interior design.
C. By Application
Architectural Panels: Lightweight, weather-resistant panels for cladding, ceilings, and partitions.
Composite Panels (ACP): Aluminum skins bonded to a polyethylene core for insulation and design flexibility.
Industrial Panels: High-strength variants for machinery, heat exchangers, or transportation.
Kitchen Panels: Round aluminium panels is suitable for kitchen ware such as aluminum pots, aluminum bowls, etc.
Quality Grades: Navigating Standards and Certifications
Quality assurance is non-negotiable for importers. Chinese suppliers adhere to both local (GB standards) and international benchmarks.
A. Key Quality Indicators
Temper Designation: Soft (O), heat-treated (T6), or cold-worked (H32) states affect hardness and ductility.
Thickness Tolerance: Precision matters—industrial panels require ±0.1mm accuracy, while construction panels may allow ±0.5mm.
Surface Integrity: Check for uniformity in coatings, absence of scratches, and adhesion strength (e.g., ASTM D3359 for coatings).
B. Essential Certifications
ISO 9001: Ensures consistent quality management systems.
ASTM B209/EN 485: International standards for mechanical properties and dimensions.
RoHS/REACH: Compliance with EU regulations on hazardous substances.
Fire Ratings (A2, B1): Critical for construction materials in regulated markets.
Tip: Always request test reports (e.g., composition analysis, salt spray tests) to validate claims.
Pricing Factors: Balancing Cost and Value
China’s aluminum panel prices ranges with the aluminium raw material.
The latest aluminium price in February is $2800/ton and it is dynamatic in every day.
The price of aluminum panels varies depending on thickness and surface treatment.
The following is the price information of aluminum panels with different thicknesses and surface treatments:
C. Market Competition
Henan province host concentrated supplier clusters, fostering competitive pricing.
Pro Tip: Monitor CNY/USD exchange rates; a weaker yuan reduces your import costs.
Import Costs: Beyond the Aluminium Panel Price
Calculate total landed costs to avoid surprises:
Tariffs: Vary by country (e.g., USA: 0–10% for aluminum sheets under HTS 7606).
Shipping: FOB prices exclude freight; container shipping costs ~3,000–5,000 from China to Europe.
Compliance: Testing, certifications, and customs clearance fees (budget 3–7% of product value).
Finding Reliable Chinese Suppliers: A Step-by-Step Approach
Step 1: Shortlist via B2B Platforms
Alibaba.com: Filter suppliers by transaction history, certifications, and response time.
Made-in-China.com: Focus on factories (not traders) for better pricing.
Industry Exhibitions: Attend the China International Aluminum Industry Exhibition or Canton Fair to meet suppliers face-to-face.
Step 2: Verify Legitimacy
Business License: Cross-check registration numbers on official Chinese government portals.
Factory Audits: Hire third-party inspectors (e.g., SGS) to assess facilities and quality control.
Step 3: Negotiate Smartly
Request volume discounts for 20+ ton orders.
Clarify Incoterms (e.g., FOB vs. CIF) to allocate risks appropriately.
Step 4: Sample Testing
Evaluate finish quality, dimensional accuracy, and alloy composition at accredited labs.
Step 5: Build Long-Term Partnerships
Reliable suppliers offer flexible payment terms (e.g., 30% deposit, 70% before shipment) and prioritize repeat clients during material shortages.
Mitigating Risks: Price Volatility and Supply Chain Challenges
Hedging Contracts: Lock in aluminum prices during market dips.
Diversified Sourcing: Partner with 2–3 suppliers to avoid disruptions.
Stay Informed: Track China’s environmental policies (e.g., energy use restrictions) that may impact production.
Conclusion: Strategic Sourcing for Sustainable Success
Importing aluminum panels from China demands a blend of technical knowledge, market insight, and due diligence.
By aligning product specifications with industry requirements, rigorously vetting suppliers, and accounting for total costs, importers can secure high-quality materials at competitive rates.
Prioritize partnerships with suppliers who embrace transparency, innovation, and compliance—this approach minimizes risks while positioning your business for long-term growth in the global aluminum market.
