When packaging engineers and foil converters specify aluminum for pharmaceutical blister packs, food packaging, and household foil, 8011 H22 aluminum is one of the most widely used material combinations in the industry. The 8011 alloy delivers the formability and barrier performance that packaging requires. The H22 temper provides the right balance of softness and strength for forming and printing processes.
This guide covers everything buyers and specifiers need to know about 8011 H22 aluminum: what the alloy is, what H22 temper means, mechanical properties, applications, how it compares to other tempers, price factors, and how to order.
1. What Is 8011 Aluminum?
8011 aluminum is an alloy in the 8xxx series. It contains aluminum as the base metal with iron and silicon as the primary alloying elements. It is classified as a non-heat-treatable alloy. Its properties are controlled by cold working and annealing.
8011 aluminum is designed for thin foil and sheet applications. It is one of the most widely used alloys for:
- Aluminum foil for food packaging
- Pharmaceutical blister foil
- Household kitchen foil
- Bottle cap and closure foil
- Cable wrapping foil
- Air conditioning fins
The alloy is chosen for packaging because it combines:
2. What Is H22 Aluminium?
H22 aluminium is a temper designation. To understand H22, it helps to know how the H temper system works.
The H Temper System
The H designation means the aluminum has been strain hardened — strengthened by cold working. The full H temper code has two or three digits:
- First digit after H: indicates the process used
- Second digit: indicates the degree of hardening (1 = 1/8 hard, 2 = 1/4 hard, 4 = 1/2 hard, 6 = 3/4 hard, 8 = full hard)
What H2x Means
H2 means the material has been strain hardened and then partially annealed. The partial annealing reduces the strength slightly from the fully hardened condition while restoring some ductility.
What H22 Specifically Means
H22 = strain hardened + partially annealed to 1/4 hard condition.
- The material starts fully hardened (H28 equivalent)
- It is then partially annealed
- The result is 1/4 hard temper with more ductility than H24 or H26
H22 sits between the very soft O temper and the stiffer H24 temper. It offers:
- More strength than O temper
- More ductility than H24
- Good formability for packaging applications
- Stable mechanical properties
3. 8011 H22 Aluminum: Mechanical Properties
The mechanical properties of 8011 H22 aluminum depend on the thickness of the material.
Typical Mechanical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|
| Tensile Strength | 90 – 130 MPa |
| Yield Strength | 65 – 105 MPa |
| Elongation | 4 – 8% |
| Hardness (HB) | Approx. 28 – 35 HB |
| Density | 2.71 g/cm³ |
| Elastic Modulus | 69 GPa |
Physical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|
| Density | 2.71 g/cm³ |
| Melting Range | 640 – 655°C |
| Thermal Conductivity | 190 – 200 W/m·K |
| Electrical Conductivity | Approx. 35% IACS |
| Thermal Expansion | 23.6 × 10⁻⁶ /K |
These properties make 8011 H22 suitable for thin foil applications where a combination of formability, barrier performance, and surface quality is required.
4. 8011 Aluminum Chemical Composition
The chemical composition of 8011 aluminum is designed to support thin foil rolling and food-safe packaging.
| Element | Content (%) | Role |
|---|
| Aluminum (Al) | Balance | Base metal |
| Iron (Fe) | 0.6 – 1.0 | Improves strength in foil gauge |
| Silicon (Si) | 0.5 – 0.9 | Works with Fe for strength |
| Copper (Cu) | ≤ 0.10 | Controlled for food safety |
| Manganese (Mn) | ≤ 0.20 | Minor strengthener |
| Magnesium (Mg) | ≤ 0.05 | Trace level |
| Zinc (Zn) | ≤ 0.10 | Controlled for corrosion |
| Titanium (Ti) | ≤ 0.08 | Grain refiner |
| Others | ≤ 0.05 each | Trace impurities |
The key feature is the relatively high iron and silicon content compared to pure aluminum alloys. This combination gives 8011 better strength at thin gauges than high-purity alloys like 1050 or 1060.
5. What Is 8011 Aluminum Used For?
8011 aluminum is used across a wide range of packaging and industrial applications.
Pharmaceutical Packaging
8011 H22 aluminum foil is the standard material for pharmaceutical blister packs. The foil forms one side of the blister package. Tablets and capsules are sealed inside the blister cavity.
Requirements for pharmaceutical foil:
- High barrier against moisture and oxygen
- Pin-hole free surface
- Compatible with heat-seal lacquer
- Safe for direct drug contact
- Stable dimensional tolerance
8011 H22 is widely used because its formability allows the foil to be formed around blister cavities without tearing. Its surface quality supports reliable lacquer adhesion and heat sealing.
Food Packaging Foil
8011 H22 is used in flexible food packaging including:
- Lidding foil for yogurt, butter, and dairy products
- Laminated foil pouches for snack foods
- Retort pouches
- Flexible packaging laminates
The alloy meets food contact material regulations in major markets including FDA (USA), EU Regulation 10/2011, and GB standards (China).
Household Aluminum Foil
Household kitchen foil is one of the highest-volume uses of 8011 aluminum. It is used for:
- Food wrapping and storage
- Baking and cooking
- Freezer storage
- Catering and food service
Household foil is typically 0.006 mm to 0.025 mm thick and is supplied in O temper or H22 temper depending on the stiffness requirement.
Bottle Cap and Closure Foil
8011 H22 aluminum foil is used for bottle caps, pilfer-proof closures, and induction sealing liners. The H22 temper provides enough stiffness for the cap to hold its shape after forming, while retaining enough ductility to form cleanly without cracking.
Cable Wrapping
Aluminum foil is used as a shielding layer in cable construction. 8011 aluminum foil wraps around the cable core to provide electromagnetic shielding and moisture barrier. H22 temper is commonly specified for this application because it balances flexibility with enough strength for reliable wrapping.
Air Conditioning Fins
8011 aluminum foil and thin sheet is used for heat exchanger fins in air conditioning units and refrigerators. The high thermal conductivity and thin-gauge capability of 8011 make it well suited for fin stock applications.
6. What Is the Difference Between H22 and H14 Aluminum?
This is a common question when selecting foil or thin sheet temper. H22 and H14 are both quarter-hard tempers — they have similar strength levels. But they are produced by different processes and have different characteristics.
| Property | H22 | H14 |
|---|
| Process | Strain hardened + partially annealed | Strain hardened only (no anneal) |
| Temper code meaning | H2x = hardened + partial anneal | H1x = hardened only |
| Strength level | 1/4 hard | 1/4 hard |
| Ductility | Slightly higher than H14 | Slightly lower than H22 |
| Residual stress | Lower (annealing relieves stress) | Higher |
| Flatness | Better (annealing improves flatness) | Good |
| Typical application | Foil, packaging, forming applications | Sheet, general fabrication |
| Surface quality | Consistent | Consistent |
Key Takeaway
H22 and H14 have similar mechanical properties but H22 has slightly better ductility and lower residual stress because of the partial annealing step. For foil and packaging applications, H22 is more commonly specified. For sheet and fabrication applications, H14 is more common.
7. 8011 H22 vs Other 8011 Tempers
Understanding the full range of 8011 tempers helps buyers select the right specification for their application.
| Temper | Condition | Tensile Strength | Elongation | Typical Use |
|---|
| O | Fully annealed | 60–90 MPa | 15–25% | Household foil, deep forming |
| H12 | 1/4 hard (hardened only) | 80–110 MPa | 6–12% | General foil |
| H14 | 1/2 hard (hardened only) | 95–130 MPa | 3–8% | Sheet applications |
| H22 | 1/4 hard (hardened + partial anneal) | 90–130 MPa | 4–8% | Blister foil, lidding, caps |
| H24 | 1/2 hard (hardened + partial anneal) | 110–145 MPa | 3–6% | Stiffer packaging, fin stock |
| H26 | 3/4 hard (hardened + partial anneal) | 125–160 MPa | 2–4% | Hard caps, technical foil |
For most pharmaceutical and food packaging foil applications, H22 provides the right balance of formability and strength. Stiffer tempers like H24 and H26 are selected when the finished part needs more rigidity.
8011 H22 vs 8021 and 8079 Aluminum
Buyers sometimes compare 8011 with other foil alloys. The three most common foil alloys are 8011, 8021, and 8079.
| Property | 8011 | 8021 | 8079 |
|---|
| Iron content | 0.6–1.0% | 1.2–1.7% | 0.7–1.3% |
| Typical thickness | 0.006–0.2mm | 0.006–0.05mm | 0.006–0.05mm |
| Strength | Medium | Medium-High | Medium |
| Formability | Good | Good | Very Good |
| Pinhole performance | Good | Better at thin gauge | Better at thin gauge |
| Typical use | General foil, caps, fins | Pharmaceutical, thin foil | Battery pouch, pharmaceutical |
| Cost | Lower | Higher | Higher |
Choose 8011 H22 for general packaging, bottle caps, lidding foil, household foil, cable wrapping, and fin stock.
Choose 8021 when very thin gauge with minimum pinholes is required, such as pharmaceutical blister foil at 0.020 mm or thinner.
Choose 8079 for battery cell pouch applications and high-barrier pharmaceutical foil.
9. Standard Sizes for 8011 H22 Aluminum
8011 H22 aluminum is available in foil and thin sheet form.
Foil Gauge (Thin)
| Application | Thickness Range |
|---|
| Household foil | 0.006 – 0.025 mm |
| Pharmaceutical blister foil | 0.020 – 0.030 mm |
| Lidding foil | 0.020 – 0.040 mm |
| Bottle cap foil | 0.080 – 0.200 mm |
| Cable wrap foil | 0.060 – 0.150 mm |
| AC fin stock | 0.080 – 0.150 mm |
Sheet and Strip
| Form | Thickness | Width |
|---|
| Coil / Strip | 0.1 – 0.5 mm | 100 – 1600 mm |
| Sheet | 0.2 – 3.0 mm | 500 – 2500 mm |
| Foil roll (finished) | 0.006 – 0.2 mm | 50 – 1600 mm |
Custom widths and thicknesses are available on request.
10. Surface and Quality Requirements
For packaging applications, surface quality is as important as mechanical properties.
Surface Finish Options
| Finish | Description | Use |
|---|
| Bright finish (one side) | One shiny side, one matte side | Household foil, lidding |
| Bright finish (both sides) | Both sides shiny | Premium packaging |
| Lacquered | Coated with heat-seal or protective lacquer | Pharmaceutical, food |
| Printed | Flexo or gravure printed | Branded packaging |
| Embossed | Surface pattern applied | Decorative packaging |
Food and Pharma Compliance
8011 H22 aluminum foil for food and pharmaceutical use must comply with:
- FDA 21 CFR (USA food contact)
- EU Regulation 1935/2004 and EU 10/2011 (European food contact)
- GB 4806.9 (China food contact material standard)
- RoHS compliance for cable and electronics applications
Always request compliance documentation from your supplier when ordering for food or pharmaceutical applications.
11. 8011 H22 Aluminum Price Factors
The price of 8011 H22 aluminum foil and sheet depends on several factors.
| Factor | Effect on Price |
|---|
| LME aluminum price | Base metal cost varies with market |
| Thickness | Thinner foil costs more per kg to produce |
| Width | Wider coils may be more economical |
| Surface finish | Lacquered and printed cost more |
| Quantity | Larger orders reduce unit cost |
| Certification | Food/pharma compliance testing adds cost |
| Packaging | Retail rolls vs industrial coils |
| Conversion | Slitting, cutting, printing add processing cost |
For bulk industrial supply, pricing is typically quoted per metric ton or per kg plus conversion costs. For finished foil rolls, pricing may be per roll or per square meter.
12. How to Order 8011 H22 Aluminum: RFQ Checklist
A complete specification ensures accurate quotation and correct material supply.
Include the following in your inquiry:
- Alloy: 8011
- Temper: H22
- Thickness: mm or micron (µm)
- Width: mm
- Form: foil coil / sheet / finished roll
- Surface: mill finish / bright / lacquered / printed
- Inner diameter: 76 mm / 152 mm / other (for coils)
- Outer diameter: maximum OD for coils
- Weight per coil: kg
- Quantity: total kg or metric tons
- Application: food / pharmaceutical / cable / fin stock / other
- Compliance: FDA / EU / GB standard required
- Certification: mill test certificate / food contact declaration
- Delivery: FOB / CIF / DDP
- Destination port or address
13. Why Source 8011 H22 Aluminum From Us
We supply 8011 H22 aluminum foil and sheet to packaging converters, pharmaceutical manufacturers, cable producers, and HVAC equipment makers worldwide.
Our advantages:
✅ Full temper range — O, H12, H14, H22, H24, H26 available
✅ Thickness from 0.006 mm foil to 3.0 mm sheet
✅ Food and pharmaceutical grade with FDA and EU compliance documentation
✅ Custom width slitting to your specification
✅ Lacquering and printing services available
✅ Mill test certificate with every order
✅ Competitive factory pricing — direct from mill
✅ Export experience — supply to packaging converters worldwide
✅ Fast RFQ response — reply within 24 hours
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is 8011 aluminum used for?
A: 8011 aluminum is used for pharmaceutical blister foil, food packaging, household kitchen foil, bottle caps and closures, cable wrapping, and air conditioning fin stock.
Q: What is H22 aluminium?
A: H22 is a temper designation meaning the aluminum has been strain hardened and then partially annealed to the 1/4 hard condition. It offers more ductility than H24 while providing more strength than O temper.
Q: What is the difference between H22 and H14 aluminum?
A: Both are quarter-hard tempers with similar strength. H22 is produced by strain hardening followed by partial annealing, giving slightly better ductility and lower residual stress. H14 is produced by strain hardening only. H22 is more common in foil and packaging; H14 is more common in sheet fabrication.
Q: Is 8011 aluminum food safe?
A: Yes. 8011 aluminum complies with FDA 21 CFR, EU Regulation 1935/2004, and other food contact material standards when produced to the correct specification. Always request compliance documentation from your supplier.
Q: What is the density of 8011 H22 aluminum?
A: The density of 8011 aluminum is 2.71 g/cm³.
Q: What is the difference between 8011, 8021, and 8079 aluminum?
A: 8011 is the most common general-purpose foil alloy, suitable for caps, lidding, household foil, and fins. 8021 and 8079 have higher iron content and better pinhole performance at very thin gauges. They are selected for pharmaceutical blister foil and battery pouch applications.
Conclusion
8011 H22 aluminum is a versatile, widely specified foil and thin sheet material. The 8011 alloy provides the formability, barrier performance, and food safety compliance required for packaging. The H22 temper delivers the right balance of strength and ductility for blister forming, lidding, cap making, and foil converting.
Whether you need pharmaceutical blister foil, food lidding foil, bottle cap stock, cable wrap, or fin stock, 8011 H22 is one of the most practical and cost-effective specifications available.
Contact us with your thickness, width, temper, quantity, application, and compliance requirements. We will reply within 24 hours with pricing and availability.
