Aluminum Extrusion Explained: Advantages, Uses & More
Starting on aircrafts, car bodies, balustrades, railings to medical equipment, aluminum extrusion is expanding its territory. This is a manufacturing process wherein there is creation of long continuous profiles. The idea is to have the profiles from the alloys of aluminum with uniform cross-sections. Usually, the alloys are heated to a high temperature and then forced through a die that cuts and shapes them into desired shapes.
Different aluminum extrusions include structural extrusions, clad extrusions, heat sink extrusions, and profile extrusions such as the T-slot, rectangular, round, L-shaped, C-shaped, and U-shaped profiles. Each extrusion has its unique properties and applications. Some are used in construction, while others are used in transportation, sanitary, electronics, and decor industries.
Weiye Group is a renowned comprehensive aluminum extrusion processing enterprise. With 30 years of experience in the business, we have over 65 extrusion production lines to meet our client's needs. Our manufacturing adheres to a strong sense of responsibility, ensuring low-carbon and eco-friendly technological and scientific processes. Behold the lowdown on Aluminum extrusion procedures.
What is Aluminum Extrusion
This process is versatile to accommodate different profiles. The pressing die goes through designing, you have to prep the aluminum billet, extrusion the following and so is cooling. Finally you cut into the required lengths. Finishing touches include treatments such as anodizing, polishing, or powder coating. The final product is a lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and durable material suited for various applications.
Manufacturers select aluminum billets for extrusion based on their properties and applications of the end product. Indeed, aluminum alloys have different strengths, thermal conductivity, corrosion resistance, electrical conductivity, ductility, and recyclability. The 6000 series is the most popular alloy for extrusions.
For example, the 6061 series is typically extruded for frames and beams. It’s known for its high strength, good weldability, and ductility.
Benefits of Aluminum Extrusions
Malleability
Engineers can bend the material to create unique curves, angles, and shapes suitable for a particular application. It improves space optimization because profiles can be forced around obstacles and contours. It also reduces the need for additional fittings and connectors and can be shaped to create visually stunning structures.
Corrosion Resistance
Aluminum is naturally resistant to corrosion. It forms a thin oxide layer on its surface when exposed to air. The layer protects the material against further reaction with elements. Indeed, aluminum extrusions are suitable in applications where reaction with elements is a concern.
For example, it’s used in marine applications such as boats and docks and construction applications such as curtain walls and window frames. The thin oxide layer makes it chemically inert. Also, if the layer gets scratched, it will repair when exposed to air.
Moreover, there are various surface treatment options to enhance corrosion resistance. Anodizing is a popular process of coloring aluminum with a hard protective layer. Hard coat anodizing can be done for a thicker, more durable surface layer.
Painting is also a good option; spray painting, roll coating, and dipping guarantee a protective and decorative surface. Alternatively, you can choose to apply a protective powder electrostatically. Powder coating is fast, eco-friendly, and offers a more durable, longer-lasting finish.
Durable
Aluminum is extremely durable. As mentioned, it's extremely malleable, can withstand a lot of wear and tear, and readily forms a protective oxide surface that stops further reactions when exposed to elements.
This makes aluminum extrusions suitable for various applications. For example, structural extrusions are used to make beams and frames. They offer an excellent combination of strength and weight. Other aluminum extrusions are used in marine applications and as curtain walls and frame parts because of their corrosion resistance nature.
Thermal and Electrical Conductivity
Aluminum is not only a good conductor of heat but also electricity. This makes aluminum extrusions suitable for applications where electrical conductivity or heat dissipation is important. For example, it can be used in thermals management applications to prevent overheating by quickly transferring heat from heat-producing components. These include heat sinks and fan arrays.
These structures can protect heat-sensitive components such as CPUs and GPUs without making the electronics extra heavy.
Sustainability and Recyclability
Aluminum is a relatively abundant metal. It’s extracted from open-pit mines in various places and may be recycled without structural compromise. This makes it useful for minimizing the environmental impact of manufacturing. Indeed, over 3/4s of aluminum ever produced is still in use today.
Recycling aluminum helps conserve bauxite ore, water, and energy and reduce greenhouse emissions., It also prevents landfills. Aluminum extrusions are great for people looking for environmentally friendly products.
Best use of Aluminum Extrusions
Earlier we stated architecture, aviation and autos, but how exactly are aluminum extrusions involved? Let’s find out.
Construction
Aluminum extrusions are widely used in the construction industry for various applications. Most building facades, including balconies and curtain walls, are typically made of aluminum because it’s lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and durable. Another application of aluminum extrusions is to create various door and window profiles, including French doors, sliding doors, and casement windows.
Moreover, load-bearing structures such as trusses, columns, and beams are typically aluminum constructions because the material offers an excellent strength-to-weight ratio. Another advantage of constricting using aluminum extrusions is the thermal conductivity. Aluminum construction materials can keep buildings warm in the winter and cool in the summer. This can save on energy costs.
Transportation Industry
Transportation application areas that use aluminum extrusions include the automotive, aerospace, rail, and marine sectors. For example, vehicle and airplane chassis are typically aluminum constructions. It keeps them light and reduces fuel efficiency. It’s also used to make suspension systems, heat sinks, manifolds, dashboard trims, door panels, window frames, landing gear, train cars, train switches, boat hulls, yachts, offshore pipelines, etc.
Electronics Industry
Aluminum extrusions are also used in the electronics industry thanks to their thermal and electrical conductivity. They are lightweight and can easily be shaped into various profiles to make heat sinks, fn arrays, and other thermal management components.
These components dissipate heat from heat-generating systems such as GPUs, CPUs, LEDs, connectors, and radiators to prevent overheating and extend the lifespan of electronics.
Sanitary Ware and Home Decor
Aluminum extrusions are used in various home decor products, including furniture, sculptures, lighting fixtures, and sanitary ware products, such as shower enclosures and bathroom accessories. They are a preferred choice due to their lightweight, corrosion-resistant. They can also be shaped into various eye-catching design options.
Medical and Sports Industries
Aluminum extrusions are also used in various recreation and sports applications, including skis, bicycles, and fishing rods.
Wrap-up
Aluminum extrusion is a versatile process to shape and form aluminum alloys into various profiles for different applications, ranging from construction or architectural use to transportation, home decor, aviation, electrical conductivity and thermal management. Aluminum profiles are also used in the manufacture of medical devices, implants and surgical instruments.
Different aluminum alloys are chosen due to their respective properties that will match up with the application required by the Weiye Group. It is a top manufacturing and supplying company of aluminum profiles, as well as other metal fabricate products. Our aluminum profiles are much sought after globally due to their high quality, diversity in use options, and affordability.
We employ sensible production processes aimed at meeting our environmental conservation targets while keeping eventual costs affordable. Talk to the team for help in choosing the best aluminum profile for your project.