Aluminum is a widely recognized material for several industrial applications, given the number of benefits that it provides. It is also considered to be the top metal of choice for manufacturing industry experts. All of these have been made possible primarily because of its corrosion-resistant, high-strength, and low-density properties. Aluminum can also go through several processes such as aluminum extrusions, leading to the production of aluminum extrusion profiles. These, then, have been a crucial element for industrial applications such as automotive manufacturing, for architecture and construction, electrical systems, and consumer products as well.
When a material is extruded, it is forced through a hole or opening and emerges as a long length with a uniform cross-section. Some people even call it the toothpaste process, merely because the extrusion process is the same as how the toothpaste is squeezed from the tube. And through this, it can produce an almost limitless variety of aluminum extrusion profiles, which are categorized as solid, hollow, and semi-hollow.
Solid, Hollow, and Semi-Hollow Extrusions
Solid extrusions include square, rectangular, and round bars, which are the least difficult profiles. The hollow ones are essentially tubes of any shape, whether square, round, rectangular, or any other. The profile entirely encloses an empty space, as the name implies. On the other hand, consider a “C” form for semi-hollow extrusion. It is almost completely closed, with only a little opening in the profile. Moreover, aluminum extrusion profiles are known to have great dimensional stability. Thus, due to a tendency to open up slightly, the semi-hollow region has the highest variability, but it is still minimal.
Aluminum has proven its effectiveness in making life more convenient, given that some necessities and appliances at home are made using this material. Also, its unique qualities making it especially useful for low weight, corrosion-resistance, strength, appearance, or thermal or electrical conductivity are deemed to be important. For this reason, more and more industries have utilized its capabilities, thus being incorporated for some common industrial applications.
Automotive Manufacturing
Aluminum extrusion profiles are commonly used in automotive facturing, given its unique characteristics of being able to withstand weight. This property is indeed beneficial, particularly in terms of manufacturing wheels for heavy vehicles like trucks that transport heavy loads, easily withstanding the load pressure.
The weight of the care body typically consumes about 70% of the fuel. However, if it has been cut by 10%, it will certainly help improve fuel efficiency by 6 to 8%. And for every 100kg of weight reduction of the vehicle, fuel consumption per 100 kilometers can be reduced by about 0.3 to 0.6 liters. Also, emissions can be reduced by about 5 kg/km. This makes it the reason why aluminum is the most ideal material for vehicles, especially if you aim to achieve energy saving and emission reduction.
Actually, the transportation industry has added an increasing amount of aluminum to every mode of transportation. All for its strength and lightness. Because of this, trains can increase their fuel efficiency while reducing their carbon emissions. With the aviation industry, on the other hand, it uses aluminum in building aircraft parts and navigation instruments. This is for its lightweight and strength under pressure. All of these instances are proofs for aluminum extrusion profiles for being an ideal material for common industrial applications.
Architecture and Construction
Apart from automotive manufacturing, aluminum extrusion profiles are also widely utilized for architecture and construction. Railings and balustrades, as well as building facades and bleachers, fall under this area of use. Aluminum sections are appropriate for applications as well, such as canopies, where the structure must be lightweight but strong enough to support a load. Also, it is utilized for suspended ceilings and in walls as well.
Over the years, aluminum has been recognized as an ideal material for building large-span roof systems, housing structures. Particularly in marine climates and corrosive environments, as well in areas with harsh environments. Furthermore, the aluminum surface is attractive and clean, thus reducing the expense of interior design. Aluminum is now commonly utilized in temporary courtyards, show halls, disaster relief rooms, and other applications.
Electrical Systems
The commonly used material for electrical systems would also be the aluminum extrusion profiles. It is because of its low density that makes it one of the best options for long distance power lines. Also, because it is lighter and more ductile than copper, it is considerably easier to shape into wires. The wire is protected from the elements by its corrosion resistance. As a result, copper wire in transformers and practically all modernized wiring systems has been replaced by aluminum wiring. Fuse boxes, satellite dishes, stereo systems, and domestic appliances all use it.
Aluminum is also a good and efficient conductor. Thus, aluminum extrusion profiles are also commonly used for busbars and related electrical equipment. And with lighting, since modern LED fixtures have thermal management issues, aluminum has the ability to be an excellent radiator or heat exchanger. Thus, it can easily be mounted to and colored, and does not weigh too much when mounted overhead. And moreover, with proper shaping, it can be an outstanding radiator that deals with thermal management.
Consumer Products
Aluminum extrusion profiles having non-toxic properties tend to be one of the most ideal materials used for food packaging, or other consumer products as well. Actually, most food, medication and beverage packaging are made using high amounts of aluminum. Though this is the case, it does not affect the taste of food. Thus, holds and repels water, while extending the shelf life of food items. Moreover, aluminum is also used as a material for making trays, foils, cookware, utensils, and even for refrigerators and toasters.
Key Takeaway
Advancements in terms of technology have led to the discovery of various aluminum extrusion profiles, which are then used for industrial applications. For this reason, a lot of industries recognize, and even understand how important aluminum is, for the entire manufacturing industries all over the world. This makes it the reason why warehouses are set up to meet the demand by supplying high-quality aluminum profiles. And aside from the properties of this type of metal, various shapes, designs, and forms have been made through aluminum processes such as the aluminum extrusion process. Overall, in the pursuit of miniaturization, aluminum extrusion profiles have seen considerable growth in applications. People can continue to see new developments and breakthroughs.
