Questions to ask before buying flat-rolled aluminum
The questions buyers ask us in our form, in chat and in search engines, answered plainly. If yours is not here, send it with your quote request: a plant executive will answer it.
Updated 2026-10-21
Price
How much does a ton of aluminum sheet cost?
It is calculated as LME + regional premium + FAB. The LME is the public price of primary aluminum in US dollars per metric ton; the premium is what physical metal costs in the region on top of it, and FAB is what the mill charges to convert it by alloy, gauge and form. That is why there is no list price: for a firm one we need alloy, temper, gauge, width and tons.
Why does the price change every month if I order the same thing?
Because the metal follows the LME, which moves every day. The FAB for the same product barely moves; what goes up or down is the metal. The price page shows the 2026 monthly LME average with its source.
Is it cheaper to import aluminum from Asia in 2026?
Not always. An Asian FOB price leaves out freight, duties, customs, a deposit of about 30% and two to three months of transit with the inventory it ties up. In the United States, Section 232 duties of up to 50% apply to aluminum and importers must declare the country of smelt and cast. Importing still makes sense for alloys or widths a mill does not make.
Sizes and alloys
What gauges do you make? Do you make foil?
Coil and strip from 0.0177 to 0.1575 in (0.45 to 4.0 mm; from 0.0197 in in 5000 series), sheet from 0.0197 in (0.5 mm), circles from 0.0220 in (0.56 mm) and plate from 0.157 to 13 in (4 to 330 mm). We do not make foil or anything thinner than 0.0177 in; the equipment we are installing will take us to 0.0118 in (0.3 mm) by the end of 2027.
Which alloys do you make? Do you have 6061?
We make 1050, 1100, 1350, 3003, 3004, 3104 and 3105 up to 48 in wide, and 5005, 5052 and 5754 up to 36 in. We do not make heat-treatable alloys such as 6061 or 7075, nor the 2000 series.
What is the maximum width of sheet and coil?
48 in (1,219 mm) in 1000 and 3000 series and 36 in (914 mm) in 5000 series. Sheet goes up to 120 in (10 ft) long. If you need a narrower width, we deliver the coil slit to it.
Do you sell 4 × 8 ft sheets?
Yes. In 1000 and 3000 series we cut 48 × 96 in sheet from 0.0197 to 0.1575 in; in 5000 series the maximum width is 36 in. A 48 × 96 in sheet weighs about 14.4 lb (6.5 kg) at 0.032 in.
What gauge is 0.040 in aluminum?
On the Brown & Sharpe chart used for aluminum, 0.0403 in (1.02 mm) is 18 gauge and 0.0508 in (1.29 mm) is 16 gauge. Because each metal uses its own chart, order thickness in decimal inches or millimeters.
Problems in your process
Why do my circles tear or wrinkle when I draw them?
If the part tears, the most common causes are too hard a temper or metal with inclusions; if the base deforms, the gauge falls short or the alloy is too soft; wrinkles in the flange usually point to too little blank holder pressure. Often it is not the metal: a dull or misaligned die or a press running too fast gives the same symptoms.
Which alloy and temper should I order for deep drawing?
Pots, cups and pans use 1050 or 1100 in O temper, the most ductile condition. If the part needs more stiffness, such as a thick pan base or a large steamer, move to 3004 or 3105. For pots and pans, gauge runs 0.059 to 0.157 in (1.5 to 4 mm) depending on diameter and whether it has an induction base.
How do I know I am getting the alloy I ordered?
Ask for the mill test report for the lot: it shows chemical composition and mechanical properties. Check that the lot number matches the coil tag and, if in doubt, send a sample to a lab. A supplier that cannot provide the original mill certificate cannot stand behind the lot.
Comparisons
Should I buy from a mill or a distributor?
It depends on volume. For a few sheets, standard sizes or same-day delivery, a distributor with stock is more practical. For recurring volume, with alloy and temper made for your process, a mill test report per lot and documented origin, the mill makes more sense. You can use both.
Slit coil or standard sheet?
If you run volume and your part has a fixed width, coil slit to your size cuts scrap and handling. If you make few parts or change sizes often, cut-to-length sheet is simpler. The slitting calculator shows how many strips come out of a 36 or 48 in coil.
Which is better for roofing, 3003 or 3105?
Both work. 3105 is the most common for roofing, gutters and sheet for painting: it contains manganese and magnesium, has equal or slightly higher strength than 3003 and takes paint well. 3003 fits parts with heavy forming or tight bends. Almexa makes both in coil and sheet.
1100 or 3003 for cookware?
For drawn or spun pots, 1050 or 1100 in O temper: they are the most ductile and conduct heat well. 3003, with manganese, adds strength with good formability when the part needs a bit more stiffness.
Trust
Is Almexa still operating after the restructuring?
Yes. In January 2025 Grupo Vasconia, the group Almexa belongs to, began a financial restructuring under a plan agreed in advance with its creditors, and in October 2025 the process concluded with a positive and favorable outcome for Almexa. The Cuautitlán Izcalli plant is operating; each date links to its public document on the Almexa today page.
Where is the plant, and can I visit it?
At Benjamín Franklin 9, Parque Industrial La Joya, Cuautitlán Izcalli, State of Mexico, in the Mexico City metropolitan area. The plant receives customer audits and technical visits by appointment; your account executive arranges them.
What certifications does Almexa hold?
ISO 9001:2015 by Intertek (certified since 2010, valid until February 4, 2027), FSSC 22000, the State of Mexico Clean Industry certificate, the Made in Mexico authorization from Mexico's Ministry of Economy and the Inclusive Company distinction. ISO 9001, Clean Industry and Made in Mexico can be downloaded.
Who buys from Almexa?
Cookware, automotive and construction manufacturers, service centers and re-rollers. With permission we publish named cases, such as Aluminio TIMESA, which makes pots and steamers with Almexa circles, and the hexagon facade of the Soumaya Museum.
How do I know a quote really comes from Almexa?
Almexa quotes come from @almexa.com.mx addresses and from the executives listed on the request-a-quote page. If you get an offer from another domain or an unexpected payment request, confirm it with them first.
Lead time and quotes
What is Almexa's lead time?
It is confirmed in the quote by product and plant schedule. With no ocean transit, it is shorter than importing, which adds two to three months per Almexa's sales team experience.
What should I send to get a quote fast?
Alloy and temper, thickness, width or diameter, form (coil, sheet, circle or strip), tons per order and per month, what the part is for, the delivery point and whether you need origin documentation for export. What delays a quote most is an incomplete specification.
Export and origin
Does Almexa's aluminum qualify as USMCA-originating material?
The metal is cast and rolled in Mexico. Whether your finished part qualifies depends on its rule of origin, which your trade compliance team determines; Almexa provides the mill test report and origin documentation for each lot.
What documents prove the country of smelt and cast?
With every order: the lot's mill test report, a plant statement that the metal was cast and rolled in Cuautitlán Izcalli, and lot traceability. The country of smelt of the primary metal is backed by the ingot producer's certificates and declared by the direct importer in Mexico's Automatic Aluminum Import Notice. The certificate of origin of your finished product is issued by your trade compliance team.