Aluminum coils are differentiated by their thickness, alloy composition, surface treatment, and temper. Common types include 1000 series coils with high purity, 3000 series known for formability, 5000 series for corrosion resistance, and 6000 series for strength. Thickness varies from thin gauges used in packaging to thick ones for construction. Surface treatments can include anodizing, painting, or lacquering for enhanced properties. Temper refers to the hardness and strength, with 'H' for hard and 'O' for soft tempers. Each type serves specific industries, such as automotive, aerospace, construction, and packaging.