Orange peel (stucco)
A random, fine-grained texture. The most popular pattern for pipe and duct insulation jacketing, cold-room linings and refrigeration panels because it hides surface marks and looks uniform.
Guide · Textured foil
Embossed Aluminium Foil
Embossed aluminium foil is thin aluminium strip that has been rolled between patterned rolls to give it a raised texture such as orange peel (stucco), diamond or hemispherical dimples. The pattern makes the foil stiffer, less glaring and more resistant to visible scratches and creases, which is why it is used for insulation jacketing, duct facings, heat shields, cold rooms and decorative packaging. Metline supplies embossed foil in 1xxx, 3003 and 8011 alloys, 0.04 – 0.30 mm thick, worldwide.
- Alloys
- 1050 · 1060 · 1100 · 3003 · 8011
- Thickness
- 0.04 – 0.30 mm
- Width
- About 150 – 1500 mm
- Patterns
- Orange peel · diamond · dimple
What embossed foil is and why the pattern matters
Embossing is a cold-forming step after rolling and annealing. The foil passes between a hard engraved roll and a softer or matched roll, which presses a repeating relief into the metal without removing any material. The base alloy and gauge stay the same, but the foil behaves very differently in use.
- Stiffness: the relief acts like corrugation on a tiny scale, so embossed foil holds its shape better and lies flatter on insulation than plain foil of the same gauge.
- Appearance: the texture breaks up specular reflection, reducing glare and hiding fingerprints, minor dents and handling creases.
- Handling: textured surfaces are less slippery to grip and wrap, and adjacent layers separate more easily.
- Heat reflection: embossing keeps the low emissivity of bright aluminium, so the foil still reflects radiant heat effectively, while the pattern spreads the reflection diffusely.
Note the vocabulary. Under EN 546 and most mill practice, product up to 0.20 mm is foil; thicker material, such as 0.25 – 0.30 mm embossed stock, is technically thin strip or sheet. Buyers often call the whole range "embossed foil", and we use the term the same way here.
Common embossing patterns
Diamond
A regular raised diamond grid with a strong three-dimensional effect. Used for decorative linings, gift and cosmetic packaging and interior trims.
Hemispherical (dimple)
Evenly spaced small domes that give high stiffness and stand-off from the surface beneath. Used in automotive heat shields and exhaust and engine insulation.
Parallel lines and ripple
Linear or wave textures for appliances, decorative strips and product labels.
Custom patterns
Logos and special textures are possible with a dedicated engraved roll; this suits large, repeat orders.
Plain for comparison
Unembossed foil has the smoothest surface and highest specular reflectance, but shows creases and dents more readily.
Alloys and tempers for embossed foil
| Alloy | Main alloying | Character | Typical embossed uses |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1050 / 1060 | Al ≥ 99.5 / 99.6 % | Very ductile, highest reflectivity and corrosion resistance | Insulation facings, decorative foil, heat shields |
| 1100 | Al ≥ 99.0 %, Cu 0.05 – 0.20 % | Slightly stronger than 1050, excellent formability | Jacketing, duct facings, refrigeration |
| 3003 | Mn 1.0 – 1.5 % | About 20 % stronger than 1100 with good corrosion resistance | Heavier jacketing, cold-room linings, heat shields |
| 8011 | Fe 0.6 – 1.0 %, Si 0.5 – 0.9 % | Good strength and puncture resistance at thin gauges | Packaging, laminated facings, food and household use |
Temper is chosen for how the foil will be handled after embossing. H14 and H24 (half hard) are common for jacketing and panels that must hold their shape; H18 (full hard) gives maximum stiffness for flat facings; H22 and O (soft) suit products that are wrapped, folded or laminated. The embossing step itself adds some work hardening.
Chemical limits follow the Aluminum Association registrations and EN 573-3. Each lot is supplied with a mill test certificate.
Sizes, coil options and weight per square metre
Typical supply range
- Thickness
- 0.04 – 0.30 mm (40 – 300 µm)
- Width
- About 150 – 1500 mm; narrow slit coils on request
- Coil
- Coil weight and core size to suit your line; 76 mm or 150 mm cores are common
- Surface
- Mill finish, lightly oiled, colour coated, lacquered or with a protective film
- Backing
- Polyethylene (PE) or polysurlyn moisture barrier for jacketing; self-adhesive or hot-melt layers on request
Foil weight is about 2.71 g per square metre for each micron of thickness. The table helps estimate coil length; embossing does not change weight per square metre, although the measured "embossed height" is greater than the base gauge.
| Base gauge (µm) | Weight (g/m²) | Length of 100 kg at 1000 mm width (m) |
|---|---|---|
| 40 | 108 | 923 |
| 50 | 136 | 738 |
| 60 | 163 | 615 |
| 80 | 217 | 461 |
| 100 | 271 | 369 |
| 150 | 406 | 246 |
| 200 | 542 | 185 |
| 250 | 678 | 148 |
| 300 | 813 | 123 |
Where embossed aluminium foil is used
Insulation jacketing
Stucco-embossed 1100 or 3003 with a moisture barrier is wrapped over mineral-wool or foam insulation on pipes, tanks and ducts to protect it from weather and damage.
HVAC ducts
Embossed foil faces fibreglass duct board and flexible duct, adding stiffness and a cleanable, reflective surface.
Building and cold storage
Vapour-retarder facings, cold-room linings and refrigerator back panels, where low permeance and a durable appearance matter.
Automotive heat shields
Hemispherical-embossed 1050 or 3003 forms lightweight shields around exhausts, turbochargers and under-floor areas.
Packaging
Embossed 8011 is used for decorative lids, confectionery, cosmetics and gift wrap where texture adds visual value.
Decoration and labels
Coloured or anodised embossed foil for trims, labels and display surfaces.
What to check when buying embossed foil
- Pattern consistency: uniform depth across the width, no flat or double-embossed areas.
- Gauge and embossed height: both should be stated, because the micrometer reads over the relief.
- Surface cleanliness: low residual rolling oil, especially if the foil will be laminated, coated or bonded.
- Pinholes: relevant at the thinnest gauges used as vapour barriers.
- Coil quality: straight edges, tight and even winding, no telescoping, correct core size and coil direction.
- Coating adhesion: for coloured or film-backed foil, adhesion after forming and outdoor exposure.
Embossing pattern standards are not codified in the way alloy properties are, so it is good practice to approve a sample or reference swatch before a first order and to keep it as the acceptance reference.
How to order
- SpecifyAlloy and temper, base gauge, width, pattern (send a sample or photo), coating or backing, coil weight and core.
- ApproveFor new patterns or colours, approve a sample before production.
- QuoteWe confirm availability, certification and terms (EXW, FOB, CIF or DAP).
- ShipCoils are packed eye-to-sky or eye-to-wall in sealed, desiccated wooden cases with an EN 10204 3.1 mill certificate.
References and standards
- EN 546 – Aluminium and aluminium alloys: foil (parts 1 – 4)
- ASTM B479 – Annealed and Intermediate Temper Aluminum and Aluminum-Alloy Foil for Flexible Barrier, Food Contact, and Other Applications
- ASTM C1136 – Flexible, Low Permeance Vapor Retarders for Thermal Insulation
- EN 573-3 – Chemical composition and form of wrought products
- The Aluminum Association – International Alloy Designations and Chemical Composition Limits
Embossed aluminium (aluminum) foil: frequently asked questions
What is embossed aluminium foil used for?
Mainly insulation jacketing for pipes and ducts, HVAC duct facings, cold-room and refrigerator linings, automotive heat shields and decorative packaging, where the texture adds stiffness, hides marks and reduces glare.
What is the difference between stucco and orange peel embossing?
They are the same random, fine texture under two names. "Stucco" is common in insulation and building markets, "orange peel" in packaging and general trade.
Which alloy is best for insulation jacketing?
1100 and 3003 in H14 or similar tempers are most common. 3003 is a little stronger and more dent-resistant; both are often supplied with a polyethylene or polysurlyn moisture barrier on the inside face.
Does embossing change the weight of the foil?
No. Weight per square metre depends on the base gauge, about 2.71 g/m² per micron. Embossing increases the apparent thickness measured over the relief, not the amount of metal.
Can you supply embossed foil with a colour or adhesive?
Yes. Colour-coated, lacquered, film-protected, self-adhesive and hot-melt-backed embossed foil can be supplied to specification, together with mill certificates, worldwide.
Looking for embossed foil in a specific pattern?
Send the alloy, gauge, width, pattern sample and quantity. We will confirm availability and a delivered price.
