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Extrusion is a common manufacturing process used in industries ranging from plastics to metals. An aluminum extrusion involves heating aluminum until it is plasticized and then forcing it through a mold or die in a specific shape.
The benefit of aluminum profile extruded is that it creates long lengths of very consistent products that typically require very little machining or finishing. Many of these are then used in building products such as doors, windows, curtain walls, and structural components. Businesses can find the following types of extruded aluminum profiles on market:
Structural Shapes
These include I-beams, angles, channels, T-bars, and rods. Structural shapes are commonly used in construction and manufacturing to provide strength and support in various structural applications. They are typically used as brackets, frames, supports, and reinforcements.
Planks
Planks are wide, flat extrusions that offer load-carrying capacity and can serve as flooring, decking, and walkways. Aluminum decking planks are a great alternative to traditional wood and composite options, as they are more environmentally friendly and less likely to fade over time. Another extra benefit of using aluminum deck boards is that they are fire-resistant, so they won't burn if an unexpected fire occurs.
Bars
Aluminum bars are solid extruded profiles available in many sizes and often serve as supports, spacers, fasteners, and connectors. Aluminum bars are lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and easy to machine, making them suitable for numerous applications.
Fences
Aluminum fence extrusions represent a lightweight and durable option for perimeter safety and security. They can be customized to replicate the look of wrought iron and PVC fences while offering greater strength, longevity, and lower maintenance requirements.
Tube and Pipe
Aluminum tubes and pipes can be produced in various lengths as hollow profiles. They can be used as pipelines, conduits, or hollow structural elements. Moreover, aluminum pipes are lightweight, strong, and resistant to corrosion, which makes them ideal for many uses.
Diffusers
Aluminum diffuser extrusions distribute light uniformly, reduce glare, and protect the lamp from dust and damage. They are often used in LED lighting systems and offer good thermal conductivity and rapid heat dissipation.
Aluminum extrusions offer many usage scenarios for businesses due to their versatility, durability, and lightweight characteristics. Here are some common industrial applications of aluminum profile extrusions.
Construction Industry
Aluminum extrusion profiles serve as window frames, curtain walls, door frames, and roofing systems. They provide structural support, weather resistance, and aesthetic appeal to modern architectural designs.
Automation and Machinery
Businesses can use aluminum extrusion profiles to make machine frames, conveyor rails, equipment enclosures, and guiding rails. Aluminum extrusions are used for equal leg angles, T-section profiles, and hollow square tubes. The lightweight and sturdy features allow easy fabrication and assembly.
Solar Energy Industry
Aluminum extrusion profiles can be used to make solar panel frames, mounting structures, and supports. These structures provide stability and safe installation for solar energy systems.
Automotive Industry
Automotive manufacturers use aluminum extrusion profiles to make car bodies, chassis components, window frames, and heat exchangers. The lightweight characteristic helps improve fuel efficiency and provides structural integrity.
Logistics Industry
Aluminum extrusion profiles are used to make shelving systems, storage racks, material handling equipment, and custom packaging solutions. These applications offer durable and lightweight solutions for efficient logistics operations.
Electronics and Telecommunications
Aluminum extrusion profiles are widely used in the electronics and telecommunications industries to manufacture heat sinks, enclosures, antenna masts, and mounting brackets. These profiles provide effective heat dissipation, reliable equipment protection, and secure component positioning.
Consumer Goods Manufacturing
Aluminum extrusion profiles can be found in various consumer goods, such as household appliances, sporting goods, furniture, and baby strollers. From washing machines to all kinds of strollers, they are there!
When shopping for aluminum extrusions for sale, buyers should start by making a list of the applications of the aluminum profiles. Consider the projects that the aluminum extrusions will be a part of. For instance, buyers should look for aluminum extrusions with unique shapes if the extrusions will be used to make a custom frame for a piece of equipment. Buyers should also consider the size and length of the profiles. Custom-made aluminum extrusions should be considered if the project needs a specific size or shape.
Because the visual appeal of a product matters a lot, buyers should consider the surface finish of the aluminum profiles. Different surface finishes are available, including anodized, polished, powder-coated, sandblasted, and brushed. The type of alloy should also be considered. An alloy such as 6060 is generally great for indoor use, while extruded aluminum 6061 is more suitable for outdoor and structural applications.
Since many projects require that the aluminum profiles have some level of compatibility with accessories, buyers should look for T-slot aluminum extrusions if the project requires the attachment of many accessories at different locations. Also, the strength requirements of the project should be determined. While many projects will use aluminum profiles with moderate strength, some may need high-strength profiles. In such cases, buyers should consider alloys like 6065 or 6082.
More importantly, buyers should consider how easy it would be to assemble the aluminum profiles with other parts in a project. Complex assembly requirements can lead to increased labor costs. If the assembly is easy, the labor cost would be low, and the overall cost of the project would reduce. Don’t forget to consider the cost of the aluminum profiles. It is easy to go over the budget when shopping for materials that are needed to complete a project. Get quotes from different suppliers and choose the one that gives the best pricing without compromising quality.
Q1: Why use aluminum extrusions?
A1: Aluminum extrusions are lightweight, strong, and flexible. They can create complex and unique shapes to suit different business use.
Q2: What does aluminum extrusion entail?
A2: Aluminum extrusion is the process of heating aluminum billets. It is then forced through a die to form different shapes.
Q3: Are extruded aluminum profiles more affordable than other types?
A3: Extruded aluminum profiles are among the most affordable types. They cut costs during manufacturing, are easy to assemble, and are inherently strong. The demand for them is high, driving down the cost.
Q4: Can businesses custom extrude aluminum?
A4: Many suppliers offer custom aluminum extrusion services. Custom profiles must have a design, geometry, and profile listed. A die will be built to create the desired custom aluminum component.
Q5: What are some popular aluminum extrusion applications?
A5: Popular applications include windows and doors, tube frames, workbench frames, homemade 3D printer designs, and vehicle parts.