Coil is a round or wound metal strip or wire and, in most cases, is made in strip or wire form in coils. It is prepared by coiling thin foils or wires in a cylindrical manner so that it is light, portable, storable and transportable. Coils are used in many sectors, such as manufacturing, construction, automotive industries and others and can be recycled for parts, components or products. These are made of different types of materials, including steel, aluminium, and copper.
Different types of Coil
Coils come in various types, each suited to specific applications and manufacturing processes:
- Galvanized Coils: Coils are galvanized with a layer of zinc to make them resistant to rust and are used where there is need for the same.
- Metallic Coated Coils: These are coils made of metals in order to enhance the corrosion protection and they are made of zinc-aluminium alloys. They are used in buildings and factories.
- Pre-Painted Coils: Coils are bought as painted or finished products, before being wound into coils. These are used for purposes that require the looks and the added protection.
- Spring Coils: Coils that are made from steel or stainless steel are flexible in nature and can be bent or flattened but will return to their original form once again. They are used in various mechanical and automobile items.
- Heat Exchanger Coils: These coils are applied in heat exchangers in heating, ventilating and air conditioning, refrigeration and industrial applications where thermal transfer is needed.
These different types of coils are used for different industrial and commercial purposes as they have some characteristics and advantages for use.
Different Coil Materials
Coils are available in various metal materials, each offering specific properties for different applications
- Steel: These are carbon steel, mild steel, and alloy steel that is common in construction and manufacturing industries. There are two types of steel coils: hot rolled and cold rolled depending on the need that is required for a specific use.
- Aluminum: Aluminium coils are a light metal that is used because of its resistance to corrosion in applications such as heating, ventilation and air conditioning, packaging and aerospace.
- Copper: Copper coils which are well known for their electrical and thermal conductivity are used in electrical wiring and in heat exchange, refrigeration systems.
- Stainless Steel: It has high levels of corrosion and durability and thus coil is suitable for use in food processing industries, chemical processing industries and architectural industries.
- Galvanized Steel: It involves the protection of steel coils which are used in the construction and automotive industries from rusting and corrosion.
- Brass: Suitable for machining and anti-corrosive, it is used in ornament and mechanical component.
- Bronze: Bronze coils are made from copper and tin and are well known for its toughness and resistance to corrosion and wear.
- Nickel Alloys: It consists of materials like Inconel and Monel which are used in areas where high temperature and corrosive environment are the order of the day because of their strength and resistance properties.
Each of them has its own characteristics and that is why coils can be applied in different branches of industry and commerce.
Features of Coil
Here are the key features of coils:
- Shape and Form: Coils are wound into cylindrical forms to ease on storage, handling and transportation of the coils. This coiled form is suitable for the continuous process type.
- Material Variety: Coils can be made of steel, aluminum, copper and stainless steel and each of them has its own properties.
- Thickness and Width: Coils come in different thickness and width so that the manufacturers and processors can select the most appropriate one for their use.
- Surface Finish: Coils can be smooth, matte or coated and this aspect defines the appearance of the coils as well as their functionality.
- Coating Options: Some coils are plated with metals like zinc or painted to enhance other characteristics like corrosion and durability.
- Flexibility and Workability: Coils are also very flexible and can be cut, shaped and formed in to different products hence they can be used in a variety of uses.
- Mechanical Properties: Some of the physical properties of coils include strength, flexibility and other mechanical properties of the material used and the process of manufacturing the coils defines its suitability.
- Weight and Density: Coils vary in weight and thickness and density of the material used and this makes it hard to handle and apply.
These features make coils useful in different industrial applications and processes in their functionality.
Applications of Coil
Coils are used in a wide range of applications across various industries:
- Construction: Coils are used on roofing materials, structural members and cladding in construction for use and protection.
- Automotive: Applied in the manufacture of car accessories such as the body chassis and springs, which are employed in the fabrication of cars and their efficiency.
- Electronics: Coils are used in the manufacturing of electrical wires, transformers and inductors where efficient electrical and thermal conductivity is required.
- HVAC Systems: Coils are vital in heat exchangers and air conditioning since they assist in the process of heat exchange and temperature regulation.
- Manufacturing: Coils are utilized in manufacturing of mechanical parts, tools and equipment parts due to its flexibility and high tensile strength.
- Aerospace: Applied in the construction of aircraft and spacecraft where strong and lightweight material is needed.
- Furniture: Coils are used in fabrication of furniture parts from metal including springs and structural parts to enhance the durability and comfort of furniture.
These applications demonstrate how coils are applicable in various sectors and companies in the industrial and commerce divide.
