The Complete Guide to Aluminum Cup Manufacturing – Authoritative Answers (Part 1)

There’s a story in every cup, warmth in every life. Hello everyone, "Dong Dong's Cup Talk" is here. Many friends already know that our main business focuses on producing various types of stainless steel and plastic cups. Although we previously shared an in-depth analysis of glass cups—thanks to the help of our friends—we are always ready to assist. https://www.umbottle.com/ProductsDetail-VB-10104.htmlIf you encounter any issues while sourcing or developing stainless steel or plastic cup products, feel free to reach out. We are here to provide sincere service.

Perhaps due to the season or another peak sales period, we’ve recently received numerous inquiries from around the world about aluminum cups. https://www.umbottle.com/ProductsDetail-VB-10104.htmlThis inspired us to share some insights about aluminum cups. Considering our limited expertise in this area, we’ve invited Mr. Xuan, who has nearly 20 years of experience in operating an aluminum cup factory, to provide a detailed explanation of aluminum cup manufacturing.

Why Aren’t Aluminum Cups Double-Walled and Vacuum-Insulated?

Aluminum has an extremely high thermal conductivity (237W/m•K). Heat quickly dissipates through the vacuum bridge (the connection points at the mouth and base of the cup), https://www.umbottle.com/ProductsDetail-VB-10104.htmlmaking its insulation performance far inferior to that of stainless steel. A single-layer structure is lightweight, cost-effective, and easy to clean.

Why Should Open Flame Heating Be Avoided?

Aluminum has a melting point of only 660°C. Direct exposure to open flames can easily cause localized overheating, melting, and deformation. Standard anodized films begin to crack and fail at temperatures exceeding 200°C. Alternative Solution: https://www.umbottle.com/ProductsDetail-VB-10104.htmlAluminum pots designed for outdoor use often feature thickened bases (3mm or more) and are coated with high-temperature-resistant ceramic coatings (withstanding up to 400°C), but dry heating is strictly prohibited.

The Secret Behind Soft Aluminum Cups

A special annealing process (e.g., 300°C for 3 hours) is used to fully soften the aluminum (O-state), making it easy to roll and bend. The material remains ordinary aluminum, https://www.umbottle.com/ProductsDetail-VB-10104.htmlbut its internal grain structure is altered.

Why Isn’t the Inner Wall Electrolytically Treated (Anodized)?

Anodized films are porous (10-15% porosity). Direct contact with acidic or alkaline beverages can lead to corrosion and the leaching of aluminum ions. https://www.umbottle.com/ProductsDetail-VB-10104.htmlInner epoxy coating provides complete isolation.

The Truth About Paint Peeling

The main causes are insufficient pre-treatment or coating aging. https://www.umbottle.com/ProductsDetail-VB-10104.htmlWhen purchasing, look for products with "chromate conversion treatment" and "two-component epoxy/polyurethane paint" processes, which can extend the lifespan to over 5 years.