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International cookware buyers often face the same problems when sourcing aluminum circles for pots: inconsistent drawing performance, orange peel after forming, edge cracking during spinning, uneven anodizing, and variable thickness that leads to hot spots and deformation after repeated heating. These issues typically trace back to two root causesmaterial selection (alloy and temper) and process suitability (deep drawing vs. spinning vs. stamping).

For cookware and pot manufacturing, 1050, 1060, and 1100 DC aluminum circle/disc are widely used because they offer reliable formability, stable surface quality, and predictable performance in common finishing routes. This article explains the practical differences among these alloys and the O, H12, and H14 tempers, with an emphasis on processing behavior and typical pot applications for overseas buyers.

Why 1050/1060/1100 DC Aluminum Circle Is Common for Pots

A pot is not just a formed shell. It is a formed shell that must withstand:

• Multi-stage forming (deep drawing and/or spinning)

• Thermal cycling (heating and cooling over long service life)

• Surface finishing (anodizing, painting, non-stick coating)

• Consistent heat transfer for even cooking

In many export supply chains, buyers specify DC (Direct Chill) cast aluminum circles because DC-based sheet/coil feeding into circle production tends to support more consistent forming behavior versus less controlled routes. For pot bodies, the practical goal is simple: stable elongation and surface quality during forming, paired with a clean, coat-friendly surface.

Material characteristics that matter for cookware forming

When evaluating aluminum circles for pots, buyers typically focus on:

• Formability and ductility: affects deep drawing depth, spin forming stability, and resistance to cracking.

• Surface quality: influences coating adhesion, anodizing uniformity, and cosmetic appearance.

• Thickness consistency: affects heating uniformity and dimensional control.

• Low defect risk: reduces tool marks, tearing, ear formation, and scrap.

Alloy Overview: 1050 vs 1060 vs 1100 for Pot Applications

All three belong to the 1xxx series, known for high aluminum purity and strong corrosion resistance. In cookware manufacturing, these alloys are often chosen when the priority is forming performance and surface consistency, rather than high structural strength.

1050 Aluminum Circle (Typical use: general cookware bodies)

1050 aluminum circle is commonly selected for standard pot bodies, lids, and formed cookware parts where dependable deep drawing and coating performance are required. It provides a good balance of formability and cost control in high-volume production.

1060 Aluminum Circle (Typical use: deeper drawing and higher elongation needs)

1060 aluminium circle is frequently used when buyers want slightly improved formability and fewer forming defects in challenging shapes. It is also a common choice for cookware lines that require stable spinning performance.

1100 Aluminum Circle (Typical use: forming + surface finishing emphasis)

1100 aluminum circle is well known in applications where surface finish and corrosion resistance are prioritized. Buyers may consider it for certain cookware bodies, inner liners, or parts requiring stable finishing, depending on their manufacturing route.

Note for overseas buyers: alloy choice is usually finalized based on your forming method (deep drawing vs spinning), target thickness, pot diameter, and finish route (anodized vs painted vs non-stick). Testing with your tooling is recommended before locking a large procurement contract.

Understanding Tempers: O, H12, and H14 for Aluminum Circles

Temper selection is one of the most common sources of purchasing mismatch. An alloy may be correct, but the wrong temper can cause cracking, springback, or poor dimensional stability.

O temper (Annealed): best for deep drawing and complex shapes

O temper aluminum circle is annealed for maximum ductility. For cookware factories performing deep drawing, especially multi-draw operations or deeper pot bodies, O temper is often the safest selection.

When O temper is commonly used:

• Deep drawn pot bodies (medium to deep draws)

• Parts requiring multiple drawing steps

• Shapes sensitive to cracking or earing

Benefits in processing:

• Better resistance to tearing during deep drawing

• More stable draw depth capability

• Lower risk of edge cracking during subsequent forming

Trade-offs:

• Lower strength than work-hardened tempers

• May require careful handling to avoid dents

H12 temper: moderate work-hardening for forming + stiffness balance

H12 indicates strain-hardened (work-hardened) to a lower level than H14. It can be used when manufacturers want more stiffness than O temper while maintaining acceptable formability.

When H12 is commonly used:

• Shallow drawing

• Spinning where moderate strength helps stability

• Pot parts requiring better rigidity during handling

H14 temper: higher work-hardening for shape stability and shallow forming

H14 is more work-hardened than H12 and provides higher stiffness. It is typically preferred for shallow formed cookware components, lids, and parts where dimensional stability is more critical than maximum draw depth.

When H14 is commonly used:

• Lids, shallow pans, and formed accessories

• Parts with lower draw ratio requirements

• Lines prioritizing stiffness and reduced deformation

Caution: For deep drawing pot bodies, H14 may increase the risk of cracking depending on geometry and tooling.

Processing Performance in Pot Manufacturing

Choosing 1050/1060/1100 DC aluminum circle is usually about predictable processing. Below is how these circles typically perform in common cookware processes.

Deep drawing

For deep drawing, buyers commonly specify O temper to reduce cracking and support deeper draw ratios. A stable surface and consistent thickness are important to avoid wrinkles and tears.

What buyers should confirm with suppliers:

• Suitability for deep drawing operations (based on your draw depth)

• Surface cleanliness for post-forming coating

• Consistency from batch to batch

Spinning and flow forming

Spinning can tolerate slightly harder tempers depending on geometry and equipment. Many cookware producers use O or H12 for spinning pot bodies, while H14 is more typical for shallow shapes.

Stamping/blanking and edge behavior

Clean edges help reduce secondary defects. If your process includes trimming, flanging, or curling, temper and thickness consistency become important to control cracking on edges.

Typical Uses of 1050/1060/1100 Aluminum Circles for Pots

Overseas buyers commonly procure aluminum circles/discs for:

• Stock pots and sauce pots (deep drawn bodies)

• Cooking pots and kettles (deep drawing or spinning)

• Lids and covers (often shallow formed, may use H12/H14)

• Cookware blanks for later forming and coating

The final use often drives temper choice:

• Deep drawn pot body typically O temper

• Shallow formed lid/pan typically H12 or H14

• Mixed forming route (draw + spin) commonly O or H12 based on tooling

What Buyers Should Specify When Requesting a Quotation

To reduce disputes and ensure the aluminum circle matches your pot tooling, include:

• Alloy: 1050 / 1060 / 1100

• Temper: O / H12 / H14

• Manufacturing route: deep drawing or spinning (and number of draws if known)

• Diameter range and thickness range

• Surface/finish requirement (e.g., mill finish for coating, anodizing route)

• Edge requirement (how you will form/curl/trim)

• Packaging and export handling expectations

Reference Standards and Certifications (Non-Exhaustive)

Requirements vary by country, buyer, and application. The table below lists commonly referenced standards and quality documents in global aluminum trade. Selection should be confirmed against your project and compliance needs.

Buyers should confirm which standard revision applies, and which properties must be included in the inspection certificate (e.g., alloy, temper, thickness, surface condition, dimensional tolerances).

How to Choose the Right Aluminum Discs for Cookware?

• If your priority is deep drawing performance and reduced cracking risk: choose 1050/1060 O temper based on your cost and draw requirements.

• If your priority is balanced formability and stiffness (moderate forming, stable handling): consider H12.

• If your priority is shape stability for shallow forming (lids and shallow parts): consider H14.

In most cookware projects, the best results come from aligning alloy + temper + forming route and confirming with a small tooling trial before mass production.