Functions and Characteristics of Aluminum Profiles
Aluminum is one of the world’s most widely sought-after metals due to its desirable physical and chemical properties. It can be designed into various profiles and is widely used in consumer electronics, construction, spacecraft, aircraft, and ship parts. There are various types of aluminum profiles on the market; here’s a look at their characteristics and functions.
What are aluminum profiles?
Aluminum profiles are extruded aluminum shapes designed for various applications. They are usually produced using an extrusion process that includes designing, prepping, extruding, cooling, cutting, and finishing with anodising, polishing, or powder coating.
Characteristics of Aluminum Profiles
Aluminum profiles are known for their lighter weight and lower density than other metals. The metal boasts stable chemical properties, good ductility, and good casting performance. It is nonmagnetic and resistant to nuclear radiation, and the surface oxide layer contains no volatile metal. Aluminum profiles are classified based on physical properties, use, heat, and surface treatments.
Physical properties
The manufacturer uses computer software to design the profile shape and dimensions during the design stage. Aluminum is extremely malleable, which opens up a wide range of design possibilities leading to profiles of different shapes and sizes. The three most popular shapes are rectangular, square, and circular; however, other shapes may be available upon request.
Heat treatment
Heat is used to soften raw aluminum for extrusion. The three most common heat treatments used on aluminum profiles are T4, T5, and T6:
● T4: T4 tempering involves heating the metal and naturally aging it to a stable condition.
● T5: T5 temper is a high-temperature forming process plus artificial aging. It’s the most common heat treatment for door and window aluminum profiles.
● T6: T6 tempering involves precipitation hardening. The extruded aluminum solution is cooled by water to at least 13.5 webster's. The resulting profile is stronger than a T5.
Following extrusion, cooling, and cutting, the aluminum profile may undergo various surface treatments to improve its durability and appearance. Some of the most common surface treatments are:
● Polishing via chemical action or rubbing to create a smooth and sparkly surface
● Anodizing, which involves increasing the thickness of the metal's natural oxide layer to make it stronger, more durable, and more resistant to corrosion
● Powder coating to give it a thicker protective coating without sagging or running
Uses
Aluminium profiles can also be classified based on their intended use. Different aluminum profiles are designed for different applications:
● Construction: Aluminum profiles designed for construction purposes offer superior bending and torsional stiffness with low net weight, making them ideal for solar panel frames, fencing, handrails, structures for working platforms, etc.
● Architectural profiles are well-known for their surface finish and are popular among window, door, and curtain manufacturers.
● Industrial purposes: Industrial profiles are used in various applications such as cable channel systems, cabinets, air conditioning, heat sinks, lighting fixtures, furniture, hospital beds, wheelchair frames, and aerospace and vehicle parts due to their mix of conductivity, stiffness and high-quality surface properties.
Benefits of aluminum profiles
There are significant advantages to employing aluminum profiles in construction and manufacturing. They are known for their strength and durability. They are also lightweight, making them ideal for products requiring high strength-to-weight ratios.
Furthermore, aluminum fares well against corrosive elements and can be anodised for added protection, reducing the maintenance routines needed to keep it in good condition.
Besides their durability and strength, aluminum profiles are also cheaper than other metals. The global supply of aluminum is abundant, and extruded aluminum profiles can be acquired in bulk at a lower price than other materials. Above all, aluminum profiles are also extremely easy to work with, making assembly and installation a breeze. They can also be recycled and reused.
Wrap-up
Aluminum profiles are used to manufacture a wide range of products, including doors and window parts, furniture, lighting fixtures, consumer electronics, and vehicle and aircraft parts. They are lightweight and affordable while offering the strength and durability required for many applications. Aluminum profiles come in various sizes and shapes and can be tailored to customers' specifications.
If you're looking for top-quality aluminum profiles for your next project, we'll be happy to help. We are a large-scale producer of aluminum profiles with over 30 years in the industry. Our aluminum profiles are widely used in a variety of applications due to their versatility, superior quality, and low cost. Call us to discuss your project, and we’ll provide the best aluminum profile for your unique requirements.