Tips on Selecting Industrial Aluminum Profiles

Release time:2022-07-28

Aluminum's adaptability is widely known, thanks to its lightweight, low cost, simplicity in machining, and eco-friendly nature. These qualities, among others, are the reason why aluminum is employed in a host of industries. Aluminum suitable for use as a primary element in aluminum extrusion techniques is referred to as "industrial aluminum profiles."

During extrusion, the material is melted and pressed into a specific die with a specific section shape to create the desired aluminum bar. The chosen aluminum profile determines the ultimate product's mechanical and functional qualities. What characteristics then differentiate one aluminum profile from another? To emphasize the distinctions, you should look out for, the following seven considerations and variables are used:

Check on strength & load bearing

The potential of the aluminum profile to endure pressure, abrasion, and tear as a result of day-to-day activities as it was designed to be used daily is referred to as Strength or durability. Additionally, it relates to the component's resistance to heat treatment or pressure.

Tensile Strength is the utmost stretch or tugging that a profile can withstand without irreversibly changing its mechanical properties. Therefore, before picking an aluminum profile, you should consider its tensile strength and durability.

Diverse profile specifications correspond to various load-bearing needs. Appropriate profile standards can be chosen under particular load-bearing needs. Strength is a significant indication of the industrial aluminum profiles' carrying capability. As per the product specifications and the related load-bearing capacity, you can provide the necessary industrial aluminum profile model.

Aluminum Profiles Manufacturers can calculate the deformation under no-load or static load using the aluminum profile deformation formula. Deformation is a crucial basis for selection.

Corrosion resistance

Corrosion resistance refers to the ability of the aluminum profile to avoid the chemical changes to its form brought on by exposure to rusting conditions or chemicals. An aluminum profile's capacity to withstand the chemical alterations to its form brought on by a reaction to rust conditions and chemical corrosion. 

In this instance, the first class has the most excellent corrosion resistance. The 5 series would be the next, followed in that order by the 3, 6, and 7 series. To put it another way, Alloys 5052,6061, and 1100 have exceptional to very superior mechanical qualities, while 3003 and 6063 alloys have mediocre resistance to corrosion. The 2 series, on the other hand, is typically subpar.

Avoid picking extremely cheap aluminum profile manufacturers.

When the deal is too sweet, think twice; try to avoid picking extremely cheap aluminum profiles. The value of aluminum profiles is determined by four essential elements: ingots cost, extrusion processing cost, freight cost, and packaging material cost.

All of these components have apparent costs. Therefore, there are three possibilities as to why the cost of the aluminum profiles would be less than the current market price:  Less mass per meter, reprocessing scrap aluminum, and the acceleration of material loss. Choosing an extremely affordable aluminum profile manufacturer is therefore not advised.

Weldability

Weldability refers to how easily an aluminum profile can be welded. The weldability of most aluminum profiles is generally very good. However, profiles of alloys 2024, 7075, and 2011 are inferior. Alloys 3003 and 1100 have excellent welding performances. The 5 series of aluminum profiles are particularly designed for welding.

Machinability

The quality of machinability includes how simple it is to create and machine an aluminum profile. In some cases, this also comprises cutting, shaping, and turning. In general, thermal treatment or annealing may impact each aluminum profile's potential to be machined. Heat-treated aluminum components are more difficult to manufacture than annealed parts, which are relatively formable and machinable. The 6061,1100, and 3003 alloy series are ideal for machining.

Application environment

You can select corrosion-resistant types if the application use or place demands that the industry's aluminum profile exhibit resistance to corrosion.  

General industrial aluminum profiles that don't need significant corrosion resistance can be employed in a production workshop where the temperature is comfortable, and there are reasonable production conditions. Corrosion, among other factors like the loading capacity, should be considered before choosing an aluminum profile.

Giving details about how the aluminum profile will be used makes it easier to comprehend the required dimensions and tolerances. By doing this, you may specify the load that the profile ought to be able to handle and the situations in which it would be employed. This makes it simpler for the manufacturer or supplier to contribute to the more effective production of the profile.

Appearance requirements

Whenever aluminum is utilized as a decorative material or in case of special occasions, the exterior must first be painted and anodized to get the desired color and surface pattern. The selected alloy and the surface preparation of the aluminum extrusion profile might also influence the necessary specifications and tolerances. Utilizing a profile determines the best alloy and finish (anodizing, painting, or powder coating). Anodizing, surface preparation, and coating effectiveness are usually plentiful in materials with excellent corrosion resistance.

Industrial Aluminum profiles should have excellent strength, flexibility, lightweight, durability, and low metal density. With the addition of numerous metal elements, aluminum profiles may be formed into a lightweight alloy with high-grade material, robust plasticity, and exceptional productivity.

Aluminum profiles with excellent casting characteristics can be formed into various shapes. Various processing techniques have different production costs. Customers can select the most basic silver-white option if they have no color needs and production cost limits. Through this, the manufacturing costs are relatively cheaper, and the operating workshop can select the color they require. However, the cost investment is higher since the industrial aluminum profile's appearance quality is improved, which can increase the enterprise's added value.

 Conclusion

Choosing the right aluminum profile will help you avoid defects such as flashes, burrs, and subpar alloys. It will also help you enable low-volume manufacturing of quality aluminum profiles at reasonable rates.

It's challenging to select a reliable provider from among the thousands of vendors available because each aluminum profile supplier asserts that they are the most competent. But don't panic; the qualities and tips above will help you choose a reputable provider of aluminum profiles.