What is the Difference Between Aluminum Circle and Disc?

Although "aluminum circle" and "aluminum disc" are both referred to as round aluminum plates, they have subtle differences in certain situations based on industry standards and applications:

Definitions and Shapes

Aluminum Circle: Refers to a round aluminum plate, emphasizing its circular geometry. It can be flat or processed. In industrial uses, it often denotes unprocessed or semi-finished aluminum for further manufacturing.

Aluminum Disc: Also a round aluminum plate, but sometimes highlights processed or specialized - purpose material. For example, finished products after stamping, cutting, or spinning are typically used directly in production.

Functionality and Applications

Functionality

• Aluminum Circle:High ductility (elongation≥30%), suitable for deep drawing. Surface can be anodized or coated.
• Aluminum Disc:High surface flatness, scratch - free. Thickness tolerance±0.05mm, ideal for laser cutting.

Application Fields

• Cookware manufacturing: Frying pans, electric pressure cookers, rice cooker inner pots, etc.
• Lighting industry: Lampshades, reflectors, etc.
• Industrial parts: Bearings, gears, flanges, etc.
• Home appliances: Microwave turntables, washing machine drums, etc.

• Tableware: Aluminum plates, trays, etc.
• Decorations: Ornamental pieces, crafts, etc.
• Electrical parts: Motor rotors, capacitor covers, etc.

Production Processes

• Stamping: Punching aluminum plates into circles with dies.
• Cutting: Laser or plasma cutting of aluminum plates into circles. -Forging: Hot - forging aluminum blanks into round shapes.

• Spinning: Shaping aluminum plates on a lathe with spinning tools.
• Precision Stamping: Producing high - precision aluminum discs.
• Coating: Anodizing, spraying, etc., for surface treatment.

Specifications and Dimensions

• Thickness: Usually thicker, from a few mm to dozens of mm, e.g., 2mm - 200mm.
• Diameter: Wide - ranging, from small to large sizes, e.g., 10mm - 3500mm.

• Thickness: Usually thinner, often 0.5mm - 5mm for tableware/decorations.
• Diameter: Typically smaller, e.g., 100mm - 500mm.

Standards and Certifications

Aluminum Circle: Follows standards like GB/T 3880-2012 or ASTM B209, focusing on mechanical properties (e.g., tensile strength 60 - 310MPa).

Aluminum Disc: Must meet specific industry standards, such as RoHS lead - free requirements for audio - use aluminum discs, and FDA certification for food - grade cookware.

Market and Supply - Chain Practices

Regional Differences: In North America, "disc" is preferred, while in Europe and Asia, "circle" is more common.

Industry - specific Terms: In the automotive industry, "disc" is used for brake discs and other components. "Aluminum disc" also denotes aluminum plates and trays. "Circle" is more common in sheet metal trade.

Summary

The two are essentially the same material type. Term selection depends on application, process, and regional practices. "Aluminum circle" emphasizes shape, while "aluminum disc" focuses on purpose and processing state. When purchasing, it is crucial to confirm whether the product's specifications, material, process, and application meet the requirements.