During the extrusion process, semi-molten aluminum alloy is shaped through a die opening under high pressure. This allows manufacturers to produce continuous aluminum profiles with a variety of cross-sectional shapes and dimensions. The versatility of shapes that can be Extruded Aluminum Profiles is one of the most widely used engineering materials.
Common Shapes and Uses of Extruded Aluminum Profiles
There are many different cross-sectional shapes that aluminum can be extruded into, each suited for different applications. Some of the most common shapes and their typical uses include:
Square/rectangular profiles: Used for framing of structures like windows, doors, curtain walls and partition walls. Square profiles provide high strength and rigidity.
T-Profiles: Ideal for joining or connection purposes where two pieces need to be joined at a right angle. Commonly used in furniture frames, outdoor structures, and signage frames.
I-Beam profiles: Designed to provide maximum strength for the least amount of material. Frequently used in constructions where strength and lightweight properties are essential like bridges and overhead structures.
C-Channel profiles: Provide an enclosed shape that is practical for masking, covering, or concealing. Used for outdoor siding, ducting, drainage channels, and decorative trim moldings.
U-Channel profiles: Similar strength properties to C-Channel but with an open side. Suitable for applications like skirting, hand railing, and track systems that require accessibility from one side.
Angle profiles: Primarily used for connecting, bracing and reinforcing where diagonal or angular strength is required. Common structural and outfitting applications include trusses and shelving supports.
Round/oval tube profiles: Excellent for applications requiring hollow enclosed sections like hand railing posts, structural spindles, conduit and piping systems. The circular shape provides maximum strength for minimum material.
Selecting the Right Extruded Aluminum Profiles Material Properties
Beyond basic shape, aluminum extrusion profiles can be further specified by key material properties to suit the particular performance demands of the intended application:
Alloy: Common alloys are 1000, 6000 and 7000 series with varying strength, durability and corrosion resistance capabilities. Higher series alloys are harder, stronger but more expensive.
Temper: The temper or heat treatment condition such as O (soft), H1-H4 (strain hardened) provide varying strength and formability. Higher tempers are stronger but less ductile.
Wall thickness: Thinner walls use less material but have lower load capacities. Thicker walls can bear heavier loads but add cost and weight.
Surface finish: Mill finish is smooth as extruded. Anodized finishes provide a decorative, corrosion resistant layer. Powder coating offers durable color options.
Mechanical properties: Metrics like yield strength, tensile strength and modulus of elasticity dictate the material's load bearing performance.
Application Specific Considerations for Extruded Aluminum Profiles Selection
In addition to material properties, the selecting the optimal aluminum profile requires considering specific demands of the application:
Structural load & stability requirements: Heavier profiles like I-beams fulfill structural spanning and load bearing needs. Lighter profiles suffice for non-load bearing assembly uses.
Amount of fabrication & assembly: Complex pre-fabricated assemblies need profiles compatible with joining methods like welding or mechanical fasteners. Simple assembling favors easily worked extrusion shapes.
Environmental exposure: Harsh, wet or corrosive environments demand highly durable alloys, wall thicknesses and anodized/coated finishes. Interior uses permit more cost-effective specifications.
Aesthetic & design considerations: Profiles should match the dimensional and visual design language of the product or structure. Specialty shapes may be required to achieve certain aesthetics.
Manufacturing constraints: Ease of fabrication, machinability of profiles and tooling/production costs influence choice between stock vs. custom extruded sections.
Mass production vs. prototyping/low volume: For high volumes, marginally more costly premium alloy or temper profiles' value is realized through bulk material savings. Pilot batches favor lower initial cost profiles.
By understanding different extruded aluminum profile properties as well as target application parameters, engineers can select the most appropriate material to achieve the structural performance and functional objectives of their design within budget. With its versatility and high strength-to-weight ratio, aluminum continues finding expanding uses through innovative new profile extrusions.
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