Why Choose Extruded Aluminum? Key Advantages of Aluminum Extrusions
Aluminum is the most abundant metal in the Earth’s crust, making it versatile. Since 1956, it has become the second most used metal after copper in various applications. Most aluminum products are made through aluminum extrusion and roll forming.
Aluminum is lightweight and resists corrosion. It is easy to work with, making it a popular choice in many industries. From construction to automotive, aluminum extrusions provide strength and flexibility. Whether you need to build a frame or create components, aluminum can effectively meet your needs.
What is Aluminum Extrusion?
Aluminum extrusion shapes aluminum or aluminum alloys into various profiles. The process is similar to squeezing toothpaste from a tube. High pressure pushes an aluminum billet through a die with a specific shape, creating a precisely formed profile.
This method produces complex shapes that are lightweight and strong. Industries like construction, automotive, and electronics widely use aluminum extrusion. Its versatility makes it a popular choice for components that meet specific design needs.
Read more: Mastering aluminum extrusions process & benefits
Advantages and Features of Aluminum Extrusion
The aluminum extrusion process creates complex shapes, known as aluminum profiles, making it ideal for various construction projects. Here are the key advantages and features:
Design Flexibility
The extrusion process produces aluminum profiles with diverse cross-sections. Designers can create profiles that meet specific functional needs. Common examples include door and window frames, decking, heat sinks, and enclosures.
Corrosion Resistance
Aluminum extrusions resist corrosion due to a protective oxide layer on their surface. This layer prevents rust and finishes like powder coating or anodizing can enhance this resistance.
Lightweight
Aluminum is less dense than many metals, weighing about one-third as much as steel for the same volume. This lightweight property helps reduce overall weight in high-rise building projects, making extruded aluminum perfect for architectural curtain walls.
Wide Range of Applications
Extruded aluminum parts can take on various shapes, both solid and hollow. This versatility meets the demands of many industries, including automotive parts, electronic heat sinks, roofing materials, railings, sports equipment, and military applications.
Variety of Finishes
The natural oxide film on aluminum allows for different finishes such as anodizing, powder coating, PVDF, wood grain, and mill finishes. This adaptability is often difficult to achieve with other metals.
Excellent Thermal Conductivity
Aluminum conducts heat well with a thermal conductivity of 205 W/m-K. While copper has higher conductivity at 385 W/m-K, it is also much more expensive. Thus, extruded aluminum heat sinks provide a cost-effective alternative to copper heat sinks.
Product Flexibility
The development of extruded aluminum products allows for various design features to meet application requirements. Complex shapes can be easily formed, enabling the creation of custom tubes, channels, and profiles for any project.
Sustainability
Aluminum is fully recyclable without losing its properties. This means that aluminum extrusions do not contribute to landfill waste and help reduce metal pollution.
Outstanding Safety
Aluminum extrusions are non-toxic and do not emit harmful gases when burned. They are non-flammable and can support heavy weights, making them suitable for high-rise buildings.
Short Production Time
The manufacturing cycle for aluminum extrusions is typically short, taking about 30-45 days from design to shipment. This quick turnaround makes them an excellent choice for launching new products.
Seamless Construction
Complex shapes can be produced through one-piece aluminum extrusion processing. This method eliminates the need for connectors or welding, resulting in stronger components suitable for automobiles and aircraft.
Good Electrical Conductivity
While copper has better electrical conductivity than aluminum, aluminum is significantly cheaper—about one-fourth the price of copper. This makes aluminum extrusions a popular choice for electrical connections in many electronic devices.
These advantages highlight why aluminum extrusion is a preferred option across various industries, offering both functional benefits and design flexibility.
