Stock code: 601677
Stock code: 601677
Aluminum sheet for EV battery cooling plates has become an essential material in electric vehicle thermal management. Keeping battery cells within the optimal 15–35°C range is critical for cycle life, charging speed, and overall safety. Among all material candidates, aluminum offers the best balance of performance, weight, and cost—which is why it now dominates this application.
The global market for aluminum sheet used in battery cooling plates was valued at roughly $584 million in 2024 and is projected to reach $2.6 billion by 2032, representing a compound annual growth rate above 23%. Another estimate shows that the worldwide EV cooling plate market will reach about ¥14.2 billion (approx. $2 billion) in 2025, driving demand for aluminum heat-transfer materials to around 260,000 metric tons.
This rapid expansion is fueled by EV sales—global electric vehicle stock surpassed 26 million units in 2024. While a conventional car uses about 150 kg of aluminum, an EV can use nearly twice that amount. The need for aluminum sheet is rising quickly.
Excellent thermal conductivity.
Take the widely used 3003 alloy: its thermal conductivity is roughly 193 W/(m·K), which efficiently transfers heat from battery cells to the coolant fluid.
Light weight.
Aluminum has only one‑third the density of steel. In an EV, every kilogram saved directly extends driving range.
Good corrosion resistance.
Aluminum naturally forms a protective oxide film on its surface. It performs well in the glycol‑water coolant environment, resisting pitting and crevice corrosion over long service periods.
Excellent formability and weldability.
3003 alloy has high ductility and can be stamped, brazed, or welded into complex flow‑channel designs such as serpentine plates or tube‑type coolers.
Most cooling plates are not made from a single layer of aluminum. Instead, they use a multi‑layer composite—a “sandwich” structure consisting of brazing cladding + core + brazing cladding. This ensures both strength and leak‑tight sealing after the brazing process.
The mainstream material families are:
– 3xxx series (e.g., 3003, 3003MOD) – Core material. They offer balanced corrosion resistance, formability, and moderate strength. 3003 is the most widely used anti‑rust aluminum alloy and the top choice for cooling‑plate cores.
– 4xxx series (e.g., 4343, 4045) – Cladding material. They have lower melting points (about 577°C for 4343 vs. higher for 3003) and excellent fluidity during brazing, forming a reliable sealing layer.
– 5xxx series (e.g., 5052, 5083) – Higher strength than 3xxx alloys. With the growing adoption of friction‑stir welding and laser welding, these are increasingly used in high‑pressure designs.
The most common combination is 3003 core + 4343 cladding. The overall composite achieves a thermal conductivity of 120–150 W/(m·K), which is sufficient for most battery cooling requirements. Thickness typically ranges from 0.6 to 3.0 mm, and for complex stamped flow channels, the O‑temper (fully soft) condition is preferred.
If you are a procurement professional, here are key factors to evaluate potential suppliers on:
– Certifications – Prefer suppliers with IATF 16949 (automotive quality management) and ISO 9001 certification.
– Material traceability – Reliable suppliers provide mill test certificates that verify alloy composition, thermal conductivity, and mechanical properties for each batch.
– Process capability – Can they produce hot‑roll‑bonded composites? Do they offer customized thickness, width, and cladding ratios?
– Delivery reliability – On‑time delivery rate above 95% is a good indicator of a stable supply chain.
Electric vehicles are moving toward higher energy densities and faster charging, which places ever‑increasing demands on thermal management. Aluminum alloys—especially the 3003‑based composites—have proven to be the most practical solution for cooling plates, combining performance, durability, and cost‑effectiveness.
Choosing the right aluminum sheet for EV battery cooling plates is not just about material grade; it is about partnering with a supplier that understands the entire manufacturing process and can ensure batch‑to‑batch consistency. Mingtai Aluminum (stock code 601677), a publicly listed company with deep experience in the aluminum industry, offers reliable production capabilities for 3003‑series and 3003/4343 brazed composites, with flexible specifications to meet diverse project needs.
Q1: Why use aluminum instead of copper for cooling plates?
A: Aluminum has slightly lower thermal conductivity but only one‑third the density of copper, offering much better weight savings and overall cost efficiency.
Q2: Which is better, 3003 or 6061?
A: 3003 is the mainstream choice for the core due to its formability and corrosion resistance; 6061 is stronger and more suitable for structural reinforcement parts.
Q3: What thermal conductivity is required for cooling‑plate aluminum?
A: The composite material should typically reach 120–150 W/(m·K) to ensure rapid heat dissipation.
Q4: What is the difference between O‑temper and H‑temper?
A: O‑temper is fully soft and ideal for stamping complex channels; H‑temper is work‑hardened, offering higher strength and better flatness.
Q5: What is the most critical factor when purchasing cooling‑plate aluminum?
A: Focus on thermal conductivity, brazing performance, thickness precision, and the supplier’s ability to provide full traceability.
Q6: Can I use a single‑layer aluminum sheet instead of a composite?
A: No—a composite with a brazing cladding is essential to achieve leak‑free seals after the high‑temperature brazing process.
