How Strong is Extruded Aluminum?

Extruded aluminum is a type of metal made by forcing a billet of aluminum through a die to create a specific profile. The profile will then determine the shape and dimensions of the final product; That is, once the aluminum has been extruded, it is cooled and then cut to the desired length depending on the intended purpose.

Extruded aluminum is often used in the construction, manufacturing, and transportation industries. Below we discuss how strong extruded aluminum is, its applications, and its pros and cons.

So, how strong is extruded aluminum?

The strength of extruded aluminum is found mainly in how the advantages of using it outweigh the disadvantages. The properties that make extruded aluminum so strong are found in its various applications and pros, such as its resistance to corrosion, its lightweight, and how it can be formed into different shapes, among a few, as discussed below.

Extruded aluminum was first discovered in 1888 by Charles Martin Hall. He was only twenty-three years old and working in his family's kitchen. He accidentally discovered that when he placed a piece of aluminum foil in an electric arc, it became molten and could be easily drawn into a wire. This discovery revolutionized the aluminum industry and led to the development of numerous applications for extruded aluminum. 

Application of extruded aluminum

No matter what application you are looking for, extruded aluminum is a great option. It is often used in applications where durability and resistance to wear and tear are important. It is durable, low maintenance, and can be used in various ways. For example,

Window, door frames, gates, and fences

People use extruded aluminum to create beautiful windows, door frames, fences, and gates. This material is very strong and can deter intruders while providing a stylish, elegant, aesthetic look to your property.

Constructions

Another application use for extruded aluminum is to construct decks, patios, and porches. This material is slip resistant and will not rot or decay over time. It is also easy to clean and maintain.

Furthermore, it is preferred as siding for commercial buildings because it is durable and can withstand extreme weather conditions. It is also low maintenance and does not require frequent painting or staining like other materials; hence cost-effective. 

Vehicles

Extruded aluminum is used extensively in manufacturing vehicles such as cars, trucks, trains, buses, aircraft, and spacecraft. Its light weight and strength make it an ideal material for these applications. 

Pros

Extruded aluminum has several advantages over other materials. These are;

The strengths

It is strong yet lightweight, making it ideal for diverse uses. In fact, the above list of applications goes on and on. If you can think of something that needs to be strong and lightweight, chances are extruded aluminum has been used in its manufacture. That's why this type of aluminum is so popular

Non-corrosive

Extruded aluminum is resistant to corrosion because of its protective oxide coating. This oxide layer forms when the aluminum is exposed to oxygen and helps prevent further corrosion by acting as a barrier. The oxide layer also gives extruded aluminum high wear and tear resistance. Because the oxide layer is so durable, it can withstand repeated use and abuse without showing signs of wear.

Malleability and ductility

Extruded aluminum is easily formed into shapes because it is a malleable metal. It can be easily molded into the desired shape, a property that boosts its versatility.

Additionally, extruded aluminum has a high degree of ductility, which allows it to be drawn into thin wires or sheets.

Easily anodized

Anodizing is a process that involves electrolytic passivation of aluminum surfaces to increase the thickness of the natural oxide layer. Since you can easily anodize extruded aluminum,  you get a wide range of color options, such as bronze, gold, and silver.  This process gives extruded aluminum a wide range of applications, such as architecture, automotive, and consumer electronics, and color options like the above.

Conductivity

Extruded aluminum is good for electrical and electronic applications because it is an excellent conductor of heat and electricity. Therefore, it is often used to construct electrical and electronic devices.

Cons

However, there are some disadvantages to using extruded aluminum.

Difficult to work with

The main reason extruded aluminum is difficult to work with is that it is an extremely strong metal. It is also very brittle, which can easily snap or break if not handled properly. Extruded aluminum also has a very high melting point, making it difficult to weld or solder.

Because of these properties, extruded aluminum is often used in applications where strength and durability are paramount, such as in the construction of aircraft and automobiles. However, its difficult working characteristics make it less than ideal for many other applications.

Susceptibility to corrosion 

Extruded aluminum is often used in outdoor applications because it is resistant to weathering and corrosion. To protect extruded aluminum from the elements, you can use a variety of finishes, including anodizing, powder coating, and painting. Each of these finishes provides a different level of protection against the elements.

For example, powder coating provides a thicker layer of protection that is more resistant to chipping and scratching, while painting offers the most protection against the elements but requires more maintenance than the other two.

When choosing a finish for your extruded aluminum application, consider how long you need the finish to last and how much maintenance you are willing to perform.

Anodizing is the most durable finish, but it requires regular maintenance. Powder coating is more durable than painting but may not last as long as anodizing. Painting provides the best protection against the elements but requires more frequent maintenance.

As you can see, the pros outweigh the cons. Here at Weiye Aluminum, we are proud to offer various extruded aluminum products that you can use for various applications. From construction to transportation, our products are sure to meet your needs. If you have questions about the application of extruded aluminum or our other products, please do not hesitate to contact us. Our knowledgeable staff would be more than happy to assist you.