What Is Aluminum Extrusion Profiles, And How to Selection?

Introduction

A variety of textures, hues, and brightness are available in aluminum extrusion profiles, also known as extrusions or "aluminum frames," which are created through the extrusion process. The technique of creating extrusion profiles involves heating metal to high temperatures and forcing it through one or more porous dies. As a result, the creation of these profiles is very complicated.

The article will look at topics such as:

1. What are aluminum extrusion profiles
2. Features of Aluminum Extrusion Profiles
3. Applications of aluminum extrusion profiles
4. Selection and knowledge you need to know

What are aluminum extrusion profiles

Aluminum extrusion profiles, as seen in Fig. 1, are aluminum components made by pushing hot aluminum rods through molds that have been carefully made to create a variety of forms and cross-sections. Angle aluminum, G-shapes, U-shapes, H-shapes, T-shapes, tubing, cylinders, and other complicated geometric shapes can all be produced from aluminum alloys using this extrusion method. Extrusion profiles are manufactured precisely, with great dimensional precision, outstanding surface smoothness, and high processing efficiency, thanks to the use of hot extrusion technique at their production. In contrast, common profiles are less accurate in terms of dimensions and have a simpler production procedure.

Fig.1. Aluminum extrusion process

Through the extrusion process, aluminum alloys are shaped into aluminum extrusion profiles. This process significantly influences the unique physical properties of the resulting aluminum products.

There are numerous applications for aluminum extrusions since this metal is:

• Sturdy and robust
• Good conductivity; malleable, therefore it is simple to cast and machine
• non-magnetic
• Recyclable again without compromising its integrity

That's why aluminum finds use in an increasing range of manufacturing applications, such as the building of parts for space stations or nuclear power plants.

Features of aluminum extrusion profiles

Extruded aluminum extrusion profiles offer a significant deal of customization options in terms of shape, dimensions, materials, surface treatments, and usage, all depending on the needs of the customer and particular application.

Shape of the profile: As illustrated in Fig. 2, extruded aluminum extrusion profiles can be produced in a variety of shapes, such as angle aluminum, round tubes, square tubes, T-profiles, H-profiles, U-profiles, cylinders, and more. Various forms fit various needs in terms of applications.

Dimensions of the profile: Extruded aluminum extrusion profiles can be tailored to the specific requirements of the client in terms of length, width, thickness, and other factors.

Materials made of aluminum alloy: The performance of extruded aluminum extrusion profiles is impacted by the physical and chemical characteristics of various aluminum alloy materials. Typical alloys made of aluminum are 6061, 6063, 7075, and others.  

Surface treatments: To create distinct looks and levels of durability, extruded aluminum extrusion profiles can be subjected to a variety of surface treatments, including painting, electrophoretic coating, powder coating, and anodizing.

Application: A variety of extruded aluminum extrusion profiles can be used in the construction, automotive, aerospace, electronics, furniture, and other industries. As a result, the profile's design and manufacturing requirements are likewise influenced by its utilization.

Fig.2. Standard aluminum extrusion profile

Applications of aluminum extrusion profiles

aluminum extrusion profiles find extensive uses in a variety of industries, including architecture, renewable energy, automotive, aerospace, electronics, electrical, and medical equipment. These industries have completely changed how we design and construct products thanks to the usage of aluminum extrusion profiles. Aluminum extrusion profiles' strength, low weight, and ability to withstand corrosion have made it possible to create products that are more dependable, safe, and efficient than before. We anticipate seeing aluminum extrusion profiles used in even more inventive ways in this and other industries as technology develops.

Extrusion profiles are mostly appropriate for a variety of small parts, connectors, linear guides, brake systems, and other uses, Fig. 3,  in the following areas:

Aerospace sector: High-stress and extremely high temperatures are needed for lightweight materials in the aerospace sector. The aerospace industry makes substantial use of aluminum extrusion profiles due to their strength, endurance, and corrosion resistance. Extrusions are the most often utilized aluminum extrusion profiles in the aerospace sector. Aluminum is forced through a die to take on a specific shape in extrusions. This method makes it possible to create strong, lightweight complicated structures that are perfect for usage in the aerospace sector. Several aluminum extrusion profiles that are frequently utilized in the aerospace sector include as follows:

• Angles: To offer structural support, angles are widely used in the aircraft sector. They are used to join two structural parts together and are usually L-shaped.

• Channels: Channels are U-shaped and resemble angles. They are used to fasten panels or other components and give structural parts more strength.

• Tubes: Fuel lines, hydraulic lines, and other applications requiring a lightweight, corrosion-resistant material are commonly served by aluminum tubes in the aircraft industry.

Automobile sector: Another significant customer of aluminum extrusion profiles is the automotive sector. The vehicle industry uses aluminum extrusion profiles because of their excellent strength-to-weight ratio and light weight. This contributes to the vehicle's total weight reduction, increasing fuel economy and lowering pollutants. Several aluminum extrusion profiles that are frequently utilized in the automotive sector are as follows:

• Structural shapes: The vehicle's structural support is provided by structural shapes like beams and channels. Usually, the vehicle's frame uses these forms to give it strength and stability.

• Extruded shapes: These shapes can be specially created to fit a vehicle application's unique requirements. Usually, these forms are applied to intricate structural parts like suspension parts and engine mounts.

• Tubes: The automotive industry uses aluminum tubes for air conditioning, brake, and fuel lines, among other uses.

Renewable Energy Sector: aluminum extrusion profiles are increasingly being used by the renewable energy sector. Because aluminum extrusion profiles are lightweight and resistant to corrosion, they are employed in the renewable energy industry. Among the aluminum extrusion profiles that are most frequently utilized in the renewable energy sector are:

• Solar panel frames: The frames that hold solar panels in place are made of aluminum extrusion profiles. For these frames to survive exposure to the weather, they must be sturdy, lightweight, and corrosion-resistant.

• Wind turbine components: The hubs, towers, and blades of wind turbines are made of aluminum extrusion profiles. To survive exposure to the outdoors, these components must be robust, lightweight, and corrosion-resistant.

Architectural: One of the main markets for aluminum extrusion profiles is the architectural sector. The architectural industry uses aluminum extrusion profiles because of their strength, light weight, and corrosion resistance. In the architectural sector, some of the aluminum extrusion profiles that are most frequently utilized are as follows:

• Facade systems: A building's external facade is constructed using facade systems. Aluminum extrusion profiles are utilized to build these systems' framework. Usually extruded, the profiles can be specially made to fit the unique requirements of a building's design.

• Window and door frames: The frames for windows and doors are made of aluminum extrusion profiles. For these frames to survive exposure to the weather, they must be sturdy, lightweight, and corrosion-resistant.

• Curtain wall systems: These systems are utilized to make a building's external face non-load bearing. Aluminum extrusion profiles are utilized to build these systems' framework. Usually extruded, the profiles can be specially made to fit the unique requirements of a building's design.

Transmission and Distribution: Another significant market for aluminum extrusion profiles is the transmission and distribution sector. This industry uses aluminum extrusion profiles because of their excellent strength-to-weight ratio and light weight. The following are a few of the aluminum extrusion profiles that are most frequently utilized in the transmission and distribution sector:

• Conductor: Electrical current is transmitted by aluminum conductor. It has a high strength-to-weight ratio, is lightweight, and resists corrosion. Overhead transmission lines usually use aluminum extrusion profiles.

• Bus bars: Within substations, energy is transmitted via aluminum bus bars. The profiles can be specially made to match the unique requirements of a substation and are usually extruded.

• Tower components: Transmission tower components are made of aluminum extrusion profiles. For these profiles to survive exposure to the weather, they must be robust, lightweight, and corrosion-resistant.

Fig.3. Applications of aluminum extrusion profiles

Electrical: Another significant market for aluminum extrusion profiles is the electrical sector. This industry uses aluminum extrusion profiles because of their excellent strength-to-weight ratio, light weight, and electrical conductivity. In the electrical sector, a few of the aluminum extrusion profiles that are most frequently used are as follows:

• Heat sinks: To disperse heat from electronic components, aluminum extrusion profiles are utilized as heat sinks. Usually extruded, the profiles can be specially made to fit an electrical component's requirements.

• Busbars: Inside electrical equipment like transformers and switchgear, aluminum busbars are utilized to transfer electricity.

• Enclosures: Electrical equipment enclosures are made from aluminum extrusion profiles. Enclosures for the equipment must be robust, lightweight, and resistant to corrosion in order to shield it from the weather.

Electronics: aluminum extrusion profiles are increasingly being used in the electronics sector. This industry uses aluminum extrusion profiles because of their excellent strength-to-weight ratio, light weight, and electrical conductivity. In the electronics sector, a few of the aluminum extrusion profiles that are most frequently utilized are as follows:

• Heat sinks: To disperse heat from electronic components, aluminum extrusion profiles are utilized as heat sinks. Usually extruded, the profiles can be specially made to fit an electrical component's requirements.

• Frames: Electronic components are held in place by aluminum frames. For these frameworks to shield the components from the weather, they must be robust, lightweight, and corrosion-resistant.

Medical Equipment: The use of aluminum extrusion profiles in the medical equipment sector is expanding. Because of their strength, light weight, and corrosion resistance, aluminum extrusion profiles are used in this business. The following are a few of the aluminum extrusion profiles that are most frequently used in the medical equipment industry:

• Bed frames: Hospital bed frames are made from aluminum extrusion profiles. For these frames to survive frequent usage and cleaning, they must be robust, lightweight, and corrosion-resistant.

• Medical carts: Medical carts are made of aluminum extrusion profiles and are designed to make the transportation of medical supplies and equipment simple. For these carts to survive frequent use and cleaning, they must be sturdy, lightweight, and corrosion-resistant.

• Medical devices: A variety of medical devices, including implants, surgical instruments, and diagnostic equipment, are made using aluminum extrusion profiles. To guarantee patient safety and comfort, these devices must be robust, lightweight, and resistant to corrosion.

Defense: aluminum extrusion profiles are widely used in the defense sector. This industry uses aluminum extrusion profiles because of their strength, low weight, and corrosion resistance. Several aluminum extrusion profiles that are frequently utilized in the defense sector include as follows:

• Aerospace: A variety of parts, including wings, fuselages, and engine components, are made in the aerospace industry using aluminum extrusion profiles. For safe and effective flight, these profiles must be robust, lightweight, and corrosion-resistant.  

• Naval: Shipbuilding and submarine construction are two naval applications that use aluminum extrusion profiles. For these profiles to survive exposure to seawater and salt air, they must be robust, lightweight, and corrosion-resistant.

• Ground vehicles: Tanks and armored vehicles are examples of ground vehicles that use aluminum extrusion profiles. For these profiles to provide mobility and safety in combat scenarios, they must be robust, lightweight, and resistant to corrosion.

• military systems: Gun mounts and missile launchers are two examples of military systems that use aluminum extrusion profiles. For these profiles to guarantee precision and dependability in combat scenarios, they must be robust, lightweight, and resistant to corrosion.

Selection and Knowledge You Need To Know

Aluminum extrusion profiles are widely used in the domains of engineering, architecture, and manufacturing because of its high ductility, resistance to corrosion, and lightweight nature. But while choosing aluminum extrusion profiles, one must take great care to ensure the project's sustainability and efficiency. In order to help you make wise selections for your projects, this article explores the core concepts and knowledge surrounding the choosing of aluminum extrusion profiles.

I. Fundamental Properties of Aluminum

Silver-white aluminum resists corrosion by forming a protective oxide layer in humid air. Aluminum is renowned for its high strength-to-weight ratio, outstanding thermal conductivity, high reflectivity, and oxidation resistance. It has a relative density of 2.7 g/cm3, a melting point of 660°C, and excellent conductivity.

II. Aluminum Types

Types of Profiles: Aluminum rods, pipes, profiles, and so forth.

Types of Sheets: Aluminum foils, aluminum sheets, and aluminum coils or strips.

III. Common Grades for Alloys

It is essential to comprehend alloy grades in order to choose the appropriate aluminum for your particular application. Examples are as follows: 1100: For components that are resistant to corrosion, such as thin-sheet processing and storage containers.  

2011: An alloy with high machinability that can be used to machine items.

Perfect for pipes and pressure tanks, 3003 strikes a balance between strength and resistance to corrosion.

5052: Outstanding resistance to corrosion, ideal for use in maritime environments.

Heat-treatable alloy 6061 is employed in structural and aeronautical applications because of its good strength.

6063: An extrusion alloy used in architectural applications that has good formability.

7075: high-strength alloy used in Aerospace and high-stress applications.

Fig.4. Types of aluminum extrusion profile

IV. Aluminum Surface Processing  

The characteristics of aluminum can be improved by a variety of surface treatments, such as

• Sandblasting or brushing the surface before anodizing.
• Enhance corrosion resistance using electrophoretic coating.  
• After polishing, powder coat for a long-lasting finish.  
• Mirror polishing and electroplating afterwards.
• Heat transfer through wood grains.  
• PVC film coated with high molecular weight.

Fig.5. Aluminum surface processing

Ⅴ. aluminum extrusion profile

The following procedures are used on aluminum extrusion profiles: melting, extrusion, cutting, CNC machining, surface preparation, and coloring. Applications for profiles include rail car chassis, industrial manufacture, heat sinks, construction, and decoration.

VI. Sheets of aluminum

Aluminum sheets are used for internal heat-conducting components, domestic appliances, and the casings of electronic products. They are available in different thicknesses. Both their practical and aesthetic qualities are improved by surface treatments including powder coating, anodizing, or sandblasting.

VII. Aluminum Alloy Die Casting

In order to prevent complicated shapes, die-cast aluminum components need to be carefully designed structurally. Even wall thickness, clean flow lines, and the choice of suitable alloy grades according on strength needs are all taken into account.

Conclusions

Making wise judgments for engineering projects requires an understanding of the various uses and characteristics of aluminum alloys. Working with seasoned aluminum suppliers can help you get professional guidance customized to the unique requirements of your project. Selecting the appropriate aluminum extrusion profiles not only improves the quality of the project but also creates a strong base for its effective execution. For many different industrial applications, aluminum extrusion profiles are the ideal choice. Our JLCMC aluminum extrusion profiles provide exceptional strength and lightweight durability. No matter how big or little the projects you're working on, our aluminum extrusion profiles provide the performance and quality you want.