In the aluminium industry, surface quality is a key factor influencing the performance, durability and final appearance of the product. After rolling, aluminium strip surfaces can retain rolling oil, chemical additives, metal particles, oxides and other contaminants that may compromise downstream processes such as coating, painting, or applications for the food industry.

To meet the increasingly demanding standards of the aluminium market, FIMIGroup designs and manufactures advanced Cleaning and Degreasing Systems specifically developed for aluminium strip processing lines. Thanks to decades of experience in strip processing technologies, FIMIGroup provides tailor-made solutions capable of guaranteeing high cleaning efficiency, process reliability and excellent final surface quality.

Why cleaning is essential

Proper cleaning and degreasing are fundamental to:
• Reduce contamination in downstream processes
• Improve corrosion resistance
• Prepare the strip surface for coating or painting
• Enhance product quality and consistency
• Meet specific customer requirements and international standards

FIMIGroup Cleaning Technologies

FIMIGroup offers several cleaning technologies according to the material characteristics, production targets and final application of the strip.

High Pressure Hot Water Systems
These systems combine the mechanical action of brushes with medium- and high-pressure hot water sprays. The process effectively removes surface oil and part of the metallic particles generated during rolling. Hot demineralized water at approximately 80°C softens the oil and improves cleaning efficiency, followed by hot air drying.

This solution is particularly suitable for general industrial applications or as a preliminary stage before additional degreasing treatments.

Alkaline Cleaning Systems
Hot alkaline solutions are sprayed on both strip surfaces to emulsify oils and remove contaminants. This process provides excellent degreasing performance and prepares the strip for subsequent passivation, coating or painting treatments.

Acid Cleaning Systems
Acid cleaning solutions are designed to rapidly remove oxides, including magnesium oxides and intermetallic residues, significantly improving corrosion resistance. These systems are particularly suitable for applications in corrosive environments and for the food industry.

Two-Stage Alkaline + Acid Systems
For applications requiring the highest surface quality, FIMIGroup offers combined alkaline and acid cleaning lines. This two-stage process ensures complete removal of both organic contaminants and non-alkali-soluble residues, achieving superior cleanliness and optimal surface preparation.

Special Solutions for Aluminium Foil
FIMIGroup also develops dedicated alkaline or acid degreasing systems for aluminium foil processing, suitable for strip thicknesses starting from 0.015 mm and line speeds up to 500 m/min. These systems can be integrated with Pure Tension Levellers and the proprietary ProFlexRoll® technology, ensuring outstanding strip stability and surface quality even on ultra-thin materials.

Technology focused on performance

Depending on the selected process and incoming value of contamination, FIMIGroup systems can achieve residual oil levels below 5 mg/m² per side, ensuring excellent wettability and superior surface preparation for demanding industrial applications.

Every cleaning line is engineered according to customer requirements, considering:
• Strip thickness and alloy
• Line speed
• Surface quality targets
• Final application
• Environmental and energy efficiency requirements

Your partner for aluminium processing

With a strong international presence and a long-standing know-how in strip processing technologies, FIMIGroup supports aluminium producers worldwide with innovative, reliable and highly customized solutions.

From standalone cleaning systems to complete processing lines, FIMIGroup combines engineering expertise, process know-how and advanced automation to deliver high-performance plants designed for the future of aluminium processing.