Weight

Aluminium is a very light metal with a specific weight of 2.7 kg/dm3, about a third that of steel. For example, the use of aluminium in vehicles reduces dead-weight and energy consumption while increasing load capacity.

Strength

The aluminium possesses good stress resistance, with tensile strength ranging from 70 up to 700 MPa depending on the alloy and the manufacturing method. By using extruded profiles of appropriate alloy and with the correct cross-section, a strength comparable to that of steel structures can be achieved.

Modulus of Elasticity

The modulus of elasticity (Young’s Modulus) of aluminium is three times smaller than that of steel (E=70 GPa), which means that the moment of inertia of the aluminium profiles should be three times greater in order to achieve the same deflection as that of a steel profile.

Forming

Aluminium has a good formability – a feature, which is completely utilized in the extrusion process. Aluminium can be cast, drawn and routed.

Aluminium in general and aluminium extrusions in particular, offer a number of benefits relative to alternative materials and processes. Aluminium extrusions are :

Lightweight : Aluminium is about 1/3 the weight of iron, steel, copper or brass, making aluminium extrusions easier to handle, less expensive to ship, and an attractive material for use in applications where weight reduction is a priority such as transportation and other applications invloving moving parts.

Strong : Aluminium extrusions can be made as strong as needed for most applications and due to the extrusion process, the strength can be concentrated where it really needed by including varying wall thickness and internal reinforcement in the profile design. Cold weather applications
are particularly well served by extrusions, as aluminium becomes stronger as temperature fall.

High in strength-to-weight materials : Aluminium extrusions’ unique combination of high strength and low weight makes them ideal for applications like aerospace, truck trailer and bridges where load carrying is a key performance.

Resilient : Aluminium combines strength with flexibilty and can flex under loads or spring back from the shock of impact, leading to the use of extruded components in automotive crash management systems.

Corrossion resistant : Aluminium extrusions offer excellent corrossion resistance. They do not rust and the aluminium surface is protected by its own naturally occuring oxide file, a protection that can be enhanced by anodizing or other finishing processes.

Excellent thermal conductors : Based on weight and overall cost, aluminium conducts heat and cold better than other common metals, making etxrusion ideal for applications requiring heat exchangers or heat dissipation. Extrusion’s design flexibility allows designers to optimize heat dissipation in housings and other components.

Non-sparking : Because aluminium is non-sparking, aluminium extrusions are well suited for applications involving explosive materials or taking place in highly flammable environments.

Excellent electrical conductors : Pound-for-pound, aluminium is twice as conductive as copper, making extrusion a cost-effective alternative for electrical connectors and bus bar distribution components.

Non-magnetic : As aluminium will not require a magnetic charge, extrusions are useful in high- voltage applications and in electronics, where magnetic fields come into play.

Non combustible & Non toxic : Aluminium does not burn and even at extremely high temperatures does not produce toxic fumes.

Reflective : Surface treatments can produce high reflectance on aluminium components, making aluminium extrusion attractive for lighting applications or for applications where it is desirable to shield areas from light, radio waves or infrared radiation.

Seamless : Complex shapes can be realized in one-piece extruded aluminium sections without having rely on mechanical joining. The resultant profile is typically stronger than a comparable assembly and less likely to loosen or leak over time.

Easily tailored : While there are a variety standard extrusion profiles available, the ability to design a profile to meet specific functional, aesthetic and manufacturability objectives makes aluminium extrusions a preferred element in many product solutions.

Easy to fabricate & assemble : Effective design of aluminium extrusions can greatly simplify subsequent fabrication and assembly and there are a wide variety of fabrication processes that are routinely employed in the production of extrusion-based components and assemblies.

Sustainable : Aluminium can be recycled infinitely with no degradation in properties and aluminium extrusions are often produced with high recycled content – without compromising to aesthetics or functionality. Further, extrusions inherent properties of light weight, strength, and design flexibility leads to significant in-use benefit to the environment.