Why should you choose aluminium for your next project?
Durable
Aluminium's resistance to decay, corrosion and weathering is one of its most prominent benefits.
All untreated alloys react with oxygen in the open air, creating a very thin layer of oxide (normally around one micron thick) which makes it resistant to corrosion. That resistance can then be made even stronger by anodising the alloy. For example, for outdoor environments, an anodic film of 25 microns can be applied, which would provide an enhanced surface finish in terms of corrosion resistance and aesthetics.
Other than for aesthetic reasons, aluminium then requires zero maintenance and can be left in most conditions without worry of decay.
Lightweight & Strong
Aluminium weighs more than 33% less than steel, whilst retaining a majority of the strength.
Most alloys can be expected to have a tensile strength range of approximately 70 to 700 MPa, whilst having a density two thirds less than steel.
This allows designers to meet their own specifications, without worrying about the strength of a given profile, or the burden it may create for supporting structures, making aluminium equally ideal for the construction industry, as it does for the automotive, and presentable as a viable alternative to many other metal types currently in use.
Thermally Conductive
Aluminium has extremely similar conductivity properties to copper, whilst weighing significantly less.
Aluminium is an excellent heat conductor. Profiles can be designed to maximize surface area and thermal channelling. An example of this would be heat sync, where aluminium could be used to take heat away from a semiconductor.
Sections including thermal breaks can be used to lower heat conductivity. These can be made using materials less-conductive than the typical alloy. An example of this would be in the internal and external surfaces of a window.
These properties also mean that aluminium doesn't melt until at around 650°C, and does so without releasing any harmful gases. It's also non-combustible.
Stylish
Aluminium can be coated with any colour and with any surface finish.
It is possible to anodise aluminium using a huge range of thicknesses and hardnesses, depending on what it's intended end use is. Once done, the profile can then be powder coated in one of a countless array of colours, finished and finally polished mechanically, to be foil-wrapped and supplied ready for use.
These treatments help make the metal more durable and resistant to corrosion, whilst ensuring a quality finish on the final product that can fit the theme of almost any project.
Flexible
Aluminium has the potential to be used in a near-infinite number of use cases.
The extrusion process provides a huge range of profile possibilities. Designers can integrate different functions like screw ports, thread details, clip fits and hinge details into a single profile.
Extrusions can then be easily shaped, cut, drilled, machined, punched, bent and welded to fit a bespoke purpose.
Further benefits:
Easily recyclable
Malleable
Corrosion-resistant
Non-toxic
High machinability
Non-magnetic
Reflects radiant energy
For more information on our aluminium extrusion services including our ability to provide both standard and bespoke profiles, please visit our dedicated page here.
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