Aluminum slugs for flexible tube manufacturing are an important aluminum material, often used to manufacture the inner lining of aluminum flexible tube. Through subsequent processing (such as cold extrusion and drawing), they are formed into the thin-walled tubular body of the flexible tube, ultimately used for packaging (such as toothpaste, cosmetics and industrial pastes).
Material Selection
Aluminum slug materials must meet high ductility, good formability, and adaptability to specific environments (such as corrosion resistance). Common options include:
– Pure aluminum (1000 series, such as 1050 and 1070 aluminum slugs):
High purity (over 99%), excellent ductility, and suitable for thin-walled molding. They are commonly used in flexible tubes for food and cosmetics, where safety requirements are high.
– Aluminum alloys (3000 series, such as 3003):
Containing manganese (1.0-1.5%), they offer slightly higher strength than pure aluminum while maintaining good ductility and improved corrosion resistance. They are suitable for industrial flexible tubes (such as grease and adhesive packaging).
Quality requirement of aluminum slugs for flexible tubes:
– No internal pores or inclusions, preventing cracking during extrusion.
– Smooth surface, free of oil, dirt, or scale, ensuring lubrication during processing and surface quality of the final product.
– Strict dimensional tolerances (e.g., diameter tolerance ±0.05mm) ensure consistency throughout mass production.
Features of aluminum slugs for flexible tubes:
– Excellent Machinability:
Aluminum is easy to process and can be formed into desired shapes and sizes through processes such as cutting, stamping, and extrusion.
– Lightweight:
Aluminum’s low density makes it suitable for lightweight flexible tube applications.
– Corrosion Resistance:
Aluminum exhibits excellent corrosion resistance and is resistant to a variety of chemical media, making it suitable for use in harsh environments.
– Thermal and Electrical Conductivity:
Aluminum has excellent thermal and electrical conductivity, making it suitable for applications requiring heat or electrical conduction.
– Strength and Toughness:
Aluminum slugs exhibit excellent strength and toughness, capable of withstanding certain compressive and tensile forces.
Flexible tube made from aluminum slugs are widely used in:
– Daily care products: toothpaste, facial cleanser, hand cream, etc.;
– Industrial packaging: grease, sealant, coatings, etc.;
– Food products: chocolate spread, honey, etc. (must comply with food contact standards, such as FDA and LFGB certification).
Aluminum slugs, as a raw material, leverage the properties of aluminum (recyclability, good sealing, and strong barrier properties) to make the final flexible tube environmentally friendly (recyclable), leak-proof, and extend the shelf life of the contents. They are a key alternative to plastic flexible tubes.
