Common Applications of Aluminum Extrusion

Release time:2022-07-13

Whenever corrosion resistance, low weight, strength, beauty, or electrical or thermal conductivity are crucial, aluminum's intriguing properties make it particularly valuable. Thanks to extrusion, it can have any required cross-section that includes various helpful characteristics.

Aluminum alloy is transformed through aluminum extrusion into a remarkable diversity of goods for both the industrial and consumer markets. There are several applications for extruded aluminum in automotive, electronics, public transit, telecommunications, renewable/solar energy, and other industries.

Extruded aluminum is used in more things than you might realize. It would be hard to list every application for custom aluminum extrusion; nonetheless, once you begin to recognize these applications and how you may use them to enhance current tools and goods, it gets much simpler to recognize them on your own.

You can utilize extruded aluminum to make anything from the finely grooved bleachers in sports stadiums and arenas to the display cases in retail establishments. Extrusions of sustainable aluminum can be produced using stock or standard profiles. The tools needed to make consumer goods or construct structures, like scaffolding, carts, tables, and much more, are made from basic shapes like rods, angles, bars, and more.

Transportation

Aluminum extrusions are perfect for panels, transmission housings, engine blocks, roof rails, chassis of automobiles, boats, trucks, subway cars, and railways, as well as for the bodywork and parts of vehicles in the transportation sector, where the strength-to-weight ratio is crucial.

Aluminum extrusions have become more popular as structural elements in creating lighter cars, including the brand-new, 700-pound-lighter Ford F-150 pickup truck.

For the same reason, aluminum extrusion is often utilized in recreational vehicles. Additionally, it won't rust and may be polished to resemble chrome, making it suitable for decorative purposes.

In transportation, lightweight and weight are significant problems. A prominent example is an aerospace; however, there are automotive uses, like trailers. By keeping the trailer's weight low, the tow vehicle may use its torque more efficiently to pull other objects rather than the trailer. Remember that this covers 53' semi-trailers and horse and boat trailers.

Industrial

Almost always, if you walk into a factory, you will see aluminum extrusion in use. It is the preferred material for tools like workbenches, carts, and inspection tables since it is simple to slice and drill, lightweight but stiff, and cost-effective. Also, it has the additional benefit of being extendable so that you may quickly modify a workbench.

Extrusion is frequently utilized in the same facilities to make the frames for machine guarding. It's simple to put together and can be equipped with panels for a good view while safeguarding adjacent workers.

Building and Architecture

Extruded aluminum in construction can survive deformity brought on by various factors. They are employed in mechanical applications such as ladders, building skeletons, elevator shafts, and other applications. These profiles can withstand heavy weights and shock impacts because of their elasticity.

Similarly, these have uses in architecture that range from bleachers and canopies to railings. Extruded aluminum gives the interior design a vintage vibe.

Its thermally enhanced construction prevents heat from transferring via the curtain walls. Some research estimate that 60 % of applications for profiles are in building and architecture, with the other 40 % falling under other categories.

Display sevices

Extruded aluminum profiles frequently form building frames in temporary exhibitions and setups. Diverse complex geometry enables quick interlocking of various profiles. These constructions also portray an attractive appearance and are simple to move about. These are also employed in inventory cabinets, image frames, and exhibiting.

Systems Electrical

Extruded aluminum is occasionally utilized for busbars and other electrical equipment because it is an excellent conductor. Lighting is yet another application. Thermal management problems are sometimes present, especially with modern LED lighting.

Fin-extruded aluminum makes a great heat exchanger or radiator since it is lightweight when put above the ground, is simple to mount, and you can paint it.

As an electrical example, aluminum extrusion is used in the support structures for photovoltaic (solar) panels. Specifically, in the context of roof-mounted panels, these require low bulk, corrosion resistance, and strength.

Though structural extruded aluminum applications can be pricier than other options, like steel tubes, you produce them more quickly and are eventually more affordable because labor expenses are reduced. Extrusion expenses are restricted to die molding, supplies, and labor. A manufacturer who purchases an extrusion press would use it for a long time because you may fit it with various dies.

Steel dies come in various pricing ranges, although more complex, precise versions can be costly. The finished item can be utilized independently or linked to another metal component. Aluminum doesn't rust since it has a surface oxide coating on it organically, and extrusion improves this characteristic even more. The strength of aluminum is not compromised by its exceptional lightness, and it can withstand high temperatures without emitting toxic gases. 

Also, aluminum is a great conductor of electricity and heat. Aluminum's structural stability is quite challenging while being light, although not on the same level as case-hardened steel, which is why it's used in aircraft and construction. Various aluminum extrusion alloys have varied qualities and advantages; therefore, it's crucial to analyze several alloy kinds to determine which one is appropriate for a project.

Take away

Engineers of today require durable, economical, and efficient materials, and extruded aluminum profiles satisfy all of these criteria. Aluminum extrusion is the most practical choice for meeting the particular production requirements of cost-effectiveness, design flexibility, and product efficacy.

These profiles give everything that maximizes the utility of their application, as we have shown in detail. Because of its lightweight, sustaining strength, and corrosion resistance, it's more long-lasting and durable. There's no need for welding, and the tooling is affordable. Additionally, because it can be coated and plated, it has a good appearance.

You may find metal fabrications all over if you think of them over and over. If you look closely, you'll notice that many were constructed utilizing aluminum extrusion. At JMA, they enjoy working with it since it's a material that's genuinely incredibly adaptable. Speak with them if you're considering using extruded aluminum for your upcoming project.