Understanding Different Types of Aluminum Extrusion Profiles

There are many types of aluminum extrusion profiles, depending on their application. Also, cross-sections (or profiles) come in different thicknesses. This is critical in providing function or form to specific structures. There are several advantages of using aluminum in profile productions.

Aluminum has various properties that make it preferable over other metals like iron and steel. It's malleable, highly versatile, and lightweight. Manufacturers make aluminum profiles through metal extrusion. 

Manufacturers force aluminum billets through tooling die with specific cross-sections.

We can create varying profiles to serve different needs. The different aluminum extrusion profiles include:

Types of Aluminum Extrusion Profiles

Hollow Beam

Hollow beam aluminum refers to hollow aluminum profiles with no specific cross-sections. Often, they are part of modular installations and are used in construction designs. They come in various shapes and don’t have any specific sub-classifications.

Manufacturers can make them in the form of square-shaped, rectangular beams or those with a hollow bottom or top. This creates a beam that constructors can use to support frameworks for bridges, buildings, and other industrial structures. These extrusion profiles provide horizontal support, especially for heavy structures.

Square Profile

You can place square aluminum profiles in a similar category as hollow-beam aluminum. People use the profiles for similar applications as those for hollow beams. However, the most distinct difference is that square profiles provide better support. You can use them as part of pillars, support columns, and wall load bearings.

Manufacturers can make them either non-seamlessly or seamlessly, depending on the process used. Manufacturing square profiles involve a non-time-consuming process where manufacturers flatten the aluminum sheet continuously and join them at the corners to form a square. Next, they introduce a high-pressured piercing point through the middle to smoothen its inner edges.

SD Aluminum Profile

You can use aluminum profiles in both large and small-scale applications. For instance, you can use them to make window frames. They are perfect for this since they are lightweight and flexible. Additionally, they are corrosion resistant, making them perfect compared to other materials like steel and iron.

SD aluminum profiles are the perfect choice for making sliding window frames since they are constantly exposed to weather conditions and external elements like high temperatures, rain, and dust. The profiles are the perfect choice since they have good sliding functionality and can resist various forms of weathering.

RCW Profile

These types of profiles are common in high-rise buildings. People usually apply them to mullions or curtain walls. They don’t offer any structural function and are primarily used to provide barriers against environmental elements that may penetrate a building.

Most curtain walls are aluminum-framed and have different sizes. The profiles should have the necessary components to prevent unwanted elements from entering buildings. RCW profiles are often fitted with other materials to enhance this capability.

ED Section

People also call these “door sections,” and they are used to make heavy-duty glass doors added to buildings. They are part of the entire push-door mechanism, often work as a single system, and are used in most commercial spaces.

Its classic design doubles down on its form and functionality. For instance, ED sections secure the glass used to keep the doors in place and prevent them from toppling over or falling. Additionally, its lightweight nature and inexpensiveness make it the perfect choice over steel or iron.