What is Aluminum U-Channel
What is aluminum U-channel？
It is a metal material with U-shaped cross-section made of aluminum alloy, which is usually used to build support structures, transportation equipment and so on. Because aluminum U channel has the characteristics of light weight, high strength, good corrosion resistance and so on. Therefore more and more fields begin to adopt aluminum channel.
U channel supports customization：
In order to complete a special construction project or to protect an item. u-channels will often be custom designed because the channel depth and width can be altered depending on the design of the aluminum extrusion die. So when a building contractor wants a water diversion channel or wants a U channel to clamp a board. Manufacturers can then redesign a product to meet their requirements, a feature that makes U-channels important in construction projects and industrial facilities!
Common size of aluminum u channel：
Please note that this table only provides specifications for aluminum U-channels manufactured by Hugh Aluminum. There are many more different sizes and types of aluminum U-channels in the actual product. Please contact us for pricing and sizes of aluminum channel products.
| u channel model | width (mm) | height (mm) | wall thickness (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| U-12 | 10 | 10 | 1.5 |
| U-13 | 15 | 15 | 1.5 |
| U-14 | 20 | 20 | 1.5 |
| U-15 | 25 | 25 | 1.5 |
| U-16 | 30 | 30 | 1.5 |
| U-17 | 40 | 40 | 1.5 |
| others | customized | customized | customized |
Advantages and disadvantages of aluminum U channel
1. Advantages of aluminum u channel:
Lightweight:
The density of aluminum trough is only one-third of iron, so it is relatively light and easy to carry and use.
High strength:
The strength of aluminum troughs is similar to that of steel. Aluminum trough’s high material strength, easy to form, can reduce product weight and cost.
Good corrosion resistance:
Aluminum troughs have good corrosion and oxidation resistance and can be used in harsh environmental conditions without rusting or corroding easily.
Durability:
Aluminum U channel is very durable and it is low maintenance. This is because the aluminum metal surface has an oxide film that protects it from corrosion and sea water. We only need to clean it twice in 1 year in our daily life.
Recyclable:
Over time, when we want to replace the channel with a new one or to discard it. How to dispose of it is very important thing, if thrown to the ground randomly will cause environmental pollution, but aluminum is a good solution to this dilemma. It is 100% recyclable, even the formed aluminum can still be used as a building material after melting.
2. Disadvantages of U shaped aluminum:
Higher price:
The material cost of aluminum gutters is relatively high. Compare with stainless steel and other building materials.
Easily damaged:
U shape aluminum channels are softer and prone to deformation and damage. Easy to bend in the face of strength bending force
Finishes of aluminum channel：
Mill finish: The standard finish is silver or metallic. This finish lacks a certain degree of protection and is subject to corrosion if the workpiece is installed outdoors or by the sea.
Anodized: for added durability and color options, the finish can be anodized. Anodizing means that the color is attached to the surface of the aluminum channel through an electrode, and one adjusts the time of discharge to change the color of its appearance.
Powder Coating: This coating provides additional protection and multiple colors. It is the most common type of FINISH we see.
Application areas for aluminum channel
Aluminum channel is commonly used in the following areas:
1. Transportation equipment: such as storage compartments in cars and drainage equipment in trains.
2. Construction field: such as glass U railings, LED light bar decoration, wall panel protection, etc.
3. Electronic equipment: e.g. aluminum cases for batteries, electronic parts, etc.
Summarize
Aluminum U channel is a lightweight, strong and corrosion-resistant material. It has a wide range of applications in many fields. Even though it is relatively expensive and easy to damage. However, due to its lightweight, portable, strong and long-lasting characteristics, aluminum U channel is still one of the popular materials.
