Among the materials commonly used in manufacturing and design is aluminum. As a result, aluminum extrusion profiles have become an integral feature in the construction industry. The profiles can be shaped to design various construction materials.
Below is your go-to guide on aluminum extrusions in construction.
Table of Contents
What are Aluminum Extrusions?
Before you understand the role of aluminum extrusion profiles in the construction process, let’s tackle what extrusions are and how manufacturers design them.
Extruded aluminum can be hollow, semi-hollow, or solid shapes. There are many types of profiles, from common forms to custom ones.
To make an extrusion profile, manufacturers push an aluminum billet with a hydraulic press to a die that shapes the aluminum. Extrusion enhances the metal’s hardness and gives it a more refined finish.
The top-used aluminum alloy in the extrusion is 6063 – a magnesium-silicon alloy. This alloy has strong qualities that are perfect for construction projects. For instance, the North Sea oil rigs were built using 6063 extrusions.
Many contractors have switched from using steel in construction because it is heavier and costs more than aluminum. Hence, the extrusions would be weighty and expensive to manufacture.
Applications of Aluminum Extrusions in Construction?
Aluminum extrusions are used widely in building and construction. This is because the metal has a low density, high strength-to-weight ratio, anti-corrosion properties, durability, and flexibility.
So, how are aluminum extrusions used in buildings?
Windows
Aluminum extrusions were first used extensively to design windows nearly three decades ago. Extrusion profiles were the best suit – and still are – since the window replacement boom. After the benefits of extruded aluminum were recognized in the construction industry, other applications came up.
Compared to PVC, wood, and other metals, aluminum provides the slimmest profiles. In addition, the strength and weight of the metal make it perfect for versatile window frames. Aluminum extrusion profiles maintain their architectural properties while offering additional benefits like fire and rust resistance.
Thermal Barriers
Aluminum’s top downside is its high thermal conductivity. Luckily, engineers can fix this drawback during the extrusion process. Manufacturers use a resin into a channel during extrusion and cut off the end of the channel o create a thermal barrier.
Extrusion profiles with a thermal barrier are primarily used in commercial glazing and construction because they meet building standards.
Curtain Walls
Curtain walls have evolved over the past decade, and most contemporary designs use aluminum extrusion profiles. The demand for the extruded metal has led leading manufacturers like Weiye Aluminium to manufacture fabricated and customized extrusion profiles.
Additional Applications
Extruded aluminum profiles are not only used in exterior construction designs. They are also used in interior design, plumbing, mechanical, and structural designs.
Beyond construction, extruded aluminum is used in automotive, pharmaceuticals, electronics, food manufacturing, and processing industries. The applications of aluminum extrusion profiles are limitless.
Are Aluminum Extrusion Profiles the Best?
One significant aspect of construction is weight reduction. Contractors look for the toughest materials that are lightweight and affordable. Aluminum is lighter than other metals, making it perfect for building. Extrusion profiles can also be strengthened to enhance the profile structure design.
Extruded aluminum will not corrode or rust. Consequently, there are surface finishings applied on extrusion profiles for corrosion resistance. Some of these fishing is aesthetically pleasing and decorative. They include powder coating, anodizing, and paints.
Another advantage of using extruded aluminum in construction is its safety properties. The metal does not contain any toxic components, and neither does it burn quickly.
Additionally, aluminum is very flexible. The extrusions can be custom-designed to every detail of your preference. Furthermore, depending on the application, every piece can be assembled during construction.
Finally, aluminum is recyclable. Architects and manufacturers prefer it because it is environment-friendly. In addition, aluminum extrusions can be melted and recycled into a different product.
Key Takeaways
Aluminum extrusion profiles are great for creating specific construction parts. There are endless products made using extrusion profiles, which is no surprise! The metal’s properties make it the best for such profiles. It is a great option to consider for residential and commercial buildings.
At Weiye Aluminum, you can get a range of aluminum products at affordable prices. Contact us today for a dealership!
