Advantage of aluminum extrusions：why choose extruded aluminum
Aluminum metal, being the most abundant metal in the earth’s crust, is very versatile. Since 1956, aluminum metal has surpassed copper metal to become the second most used metal in human applications. Most of the aluminum products we use are made by aluminum extrusion and roll forming aluminum.
So, what is aluminum extrusion?
Aluminum extrusion is a process that transforms aluminum or aluminum alloys into different shapes of aluminum profiles. It’s similar to the process of squeezing toothpaste by applying high pressure to an aluminum billet to make it pass through a die of a specific shape, resulting in a complexly shaped aluminum profile.
If you are still confused, this aluminum extrusion video below can help you：
Advantages and features of aluminum extrusion：
The process of extruding aluminum into complex shapes (aluminum profiles) provides an unparalleled material for many construction projects. So why do so many people choose aluminum extrusion? It’s because aluminum extrusion offers these advantages and features:
-
Aluminum extrusion offers countless designs:
The extrusion process can produce aluminum profiles with various complex cross-sections, which provides designers with greater design freedom. They can design aluminum profiles with unique cross-sections and functions to meet a variety of complex application scenarios. Examples include: aluminum door and window profiles, aluminum decking, aluminum heat sinks and aluminum enclosures.
-
Corrosion resistance
Aluminum extrusions have excellent corrosion resistance because the aluminum surface is protected by a naturally occurring oxide layer. They therefore do not rust, and the corrosion resistance can be enhanced by powder coating or anodizing finish.
-
Lightweight:
Aluminum is inherently less dense, and compared to other metals such as steel, aluminum extrusions weigh about 1/3 as much as steel for the same volume. Therefore, the light weight helps to reduce the weight of high-rise building projects. Extruded aluminum is the main material used for architectural curtain walls.
-
Wide range of products.
Extruded aluminum parts have a wide range of applicability. It is available in very complex shapes in both solid and hollow profiles. This flexibility allows aluminum extrusions to meet the needs of a wide range of complex structures. Examples include: automotive parts, electronic heat sinks, aluminum roofing, aluminum railing, sports equipment, military and defense.
-
Accepts a variety of finishes
Because of the natural oxide film present in aluminum and aluminum extrusions, these extrusions can accept a variety of finishes including anodized, powder coated, PVDF, anodized electrophoresis, wood grain and mill finish. This advantage is difficult to achieve with other metal materials.
-
Excellent heat conductor
Aluminum metal is an excellent thermal conductor, although the thermal conductivity of copper: 385W/m-K, while the thermal conductivity of aluminum is 205W/m-K. However, the price of copper is three times that of aluminum, so at the same selling price, the extruded aluminum heat sink is superior to the copper heat sink.
In addition, the required multi-foot shape of the heat sink needs to be accomplished through the extrusion of aluminum. Therefore, most aluminum heatsinks on the market are aluminum extrusions.
-
Great product flexibility:
Extruded aluminum product development allows the use of a variety of design features to meet the requirements of the application. Complex shapes can be formed, which means you can source aluminum extruded tubes, extruded channels and aluminum profiles of any shape. The flexibility of extruded aluminum allows it to meet all types of projects. No matter what type of project you’re working on, you can create custom aluminum extrusions in the shapes needed to get the job done!
8. Sustainability
Aluminum metal is fully recyclable, even aluminum extrusions. Recycled and smelted aluminum can still perform well. This means that the aluminum extrusions you purchase will not remain in a landfill, which protects the environment and reduces metal pollution.
9.Outstanding safety
Aluminum extrusions are non-toxic and do not release toxic gases, even when burning. It is important to note that aluminum extrusions are non-flammable and can withstand very heavy weights. These characteristics make it the main material for high-rise buildings.
10. Short production time, short time to market
Aluminum extrusions have a very short manufacturing cycle, it usually takes 30-45 days from design to shipment. Therefore, if you want to launch a new product to destroy the market, aluminum extrusions will be a good choice.
11. Aluminum extrusions are seamless
Even complex shapes can be obtained by one-piece aluminum extrusion processing. Its finished product does not have to rely on connectors or welding, and the final aluminum profile will be stronger than a spliced assembly. Aluminum extrusions are therefore able to become components for automobiles and aircraft.
12. Excellent conductor of electricity
Aluminum metal electrical conductivity is excellent, although copper metal is better than it. But aluminum is 1/4 the price of copper, so choosing aluminum extrusions for electrical connections is the best option for many electronics manufacturers.
Choose the best aluminum extrusions!
All the above listed advantages and features of aluminum extrusions can help you choose it better. If you are looking for a great aluminum extrusion manufacturer —— Hugh Aluminum is the best option. We offer design to manufacturing with 14 years of experience in aluminum extrusion production. We have served 600+ customers from 40+ countries.
If you want to design an aluminum extrusion or want to manufacture aluminum products?
Please don’t hesitate to contact us!
