The formation of textures and microstructures in asymmetrically cold rolled and subsequently annealed AA 1100 sheets was investigated. The asymmetrical rolling procedure in this experiment was performed in a rolling mill with different roll velocities (roll velocity ratio of 1.5/1.0). In order to enhance the shear deformation, asymmetrical rolling was performed by a large reduction per pass and without lubrication. Asymmetrical rolling led to the formation of strong shear textures. The evolution of asymmetrically cold rolled textures was analyzed by FEM simulations. After recrystallization annealing, pronounced {111}//ND orientations prevailed in all thickness layers. Intensified shear deformations by asymmetrical rolling also led to the formation of ultra-fine grains after recrystallization annealing. (C) 2004 Kluwer Academic Publishers.