How to avoid scratches and dents when transporting aluminium sheets

Aluminium sheets are sensitive to mechanical impact. Even small lapses in handling, packaging or transport can lead to scratches, dents or deformation. Anyone who professionally cuts aluminium sheets to size, delivers or processes them should therefore consider transport protection from the outset.

Causes of scratches and dents on aluminium sheets

Most damage is caused by:

• unprotected surfaces (e.g. anodised or brushed)
• hard contact points during stacking (e.g. edge on edge)
• improper securing during transport
• friction from loose interleaving layers or slipping in the vehicle
• inadequate edge protection

Particular care is required, especially when transporting cut pieces or individual sheets.

Surface quality and its sensitivity

Anodised sheets

Very sensitive to scratches, as the anodised layer is corrosion-resistant but not particularly resistant to mechanical impact. Scratches are immediately visible and significantly impair the appearance.

Brushed surfaces

The brushed structure is visually appealing but particularly prone to transverse cracks and punctual scratches. Even light contact with hard objects can leave visible marks.

Bare aluminium

Somewhat more robust mechanically than finished variants, but sensitive to corrosion and fingerprints. Transport without protective film can result in matt patches or pressure marks.

Coated sheets

Have an opaque protective layer that absorbs light contact. Nevertheless, pressure marks are possible, especially under punctual load or hard securing.

Suitable protective packaging always depends on the type of surface as well.

Protection during cutting to size and internal handling

Even during the cutting process, sensitive aluminium sheets should be separated from one another with interleaving layers (e.g. non-woven fabric, foam film or PE foam). Do not place blanks directly on metal tables, but on soft underlays. When packing for storage or dispatch, sheets should never come into direct contact with one another.

Suitable packaging materials and transport aids

Professional transport protection begins with the selection of suitable materials:

• PE foam sheets or bubble wrap as interleaving layers
• Edge protection profiles made of cardboard or plastic
• Lashing straps with edge protection strips for securing
• Reusable crates or wooden crates for sensitive goods
• Protective film on the aluminium sheet itself, applied at the factory or subsequently

Important: Interleaving layers must be non-slip and sufficiently thick. Thin paper inserts are usually not enough.

Storage and stacking: what needs to be considered?

Care is also required before dispatch. Aluminium sheets should always be stored flat and free of stress to avoid deformation. Direct storage on the floor should be avoided, as this encourages moisture damage and the ingress of dirt. Instead, storage on pallets or racks with soft interleaving layers is recommended.

Depending on the format, no more than 30 to 40 kilograms per layer may be stacked in order to prevent pressure marks. The sheets should be stored horizontally and separated from one another with non-slip interleaving layers. Clean, dry storage areas are essential, because moisture can lead to corrosion or unsightly stains, particularly on bare or anodised aluminium sheets.

Transport in the vehicle: securing and underlays

During transport, the sheets must be secured against slipping, friction and impact forces.

Recommendations:

• Non-slip underlay (e.g. rubber or anti-slip mat)
• Securing with lashing straps, over edge protection strips
• no direct contact with side walls or metal parts
• no loose sheets in the load compartment
• always transport individual sheets flat, never standing

Particularly with courier services or consolidated transports, outer packaging (e.g. cardboard with internal padding) is recommended.

Sheets with protective film and individual packaging

The simplest protection begins with a factory-applied protective film. This protects the surface from light scratches and dust. For sensitive visible parts (e.g. façade elements, visible cladding), the film should only be removed immediately before installation.

For particularly high-quality or sensitive cut pieces, individual packaging with made-to-measure cardboard, foam pads and double edge protection is recommended.

What to do if the delivery is damaged? – Acceptance report & photo documentation

If aluminium sheets arrive with visible transport damage, action must be taken immediately:

1. Do not accept the delivery without reservation
2. Document the damage (photos from several perspectives)
3. Note an acceptance remark on the delivery note
4. Keep the packaging
5. Inform the supplier or freight forwarder immediately

Transport damage must usually be reported within 24 hours. Late complaints are often rejected.

FAQ

How can I store aluminium sheets at short notice without scratching them?

On a level wooden pallet with soft interleaving layers (e.g. felt, PE foam) and a cover made of cardboard or wood.

Which packaging is suitable for parcel dispatch?

Sturdy cardboard with edge protection profiles, shock-absorbing interleaving layers and, if necessary, protective film wrapped around the edges.

Are protective films on aluminium sheets always advisable?

Yes, especially for visible surfaces. For bare sheets with technical applications, they can be dispensed with if necessary.

What to do about concealed scratches?

Even if the cardboard is undamaged: check the sheets immediately on receipt. If damage is discovered later, document it and report it immediately.