5 common uses of aluminium extrusions

Aluminium extrusions are all around us, it simplifies fabrication and assembly as it gives strength and rigidity. It’s corrosion resistant, light weight and good looking. Aluminium extrusions can be left as is, polished to a high shine, painted, colour coated or anodized.

The following are five common uses for aluminium extrusions:

1.      Architecture

Because an extruded aluminum section is both lightweight and stiff it’s ideal in situations where you need load bearing capabilities, but weight is also an important factor such as canopies and frames as well as fences, balustrades, railings, shelving, roofing and building facades. Its other advantage is exposure to the elements is not a major concern.

2.     Automotive and Marine

Aluminium extrusions are used in vehicles from, wiring and electrical components to body panels and ornamentation. It’s used to keep the weight down in trailers and SUV assemblies, engine blocks and motorbike frames as well as wheels and anywhere a light, corrosion resistant, strong material is needed. Many push bikes are also made using suitable strength aluminium extrusions especially in the frames and tyre rims.

Aluminium extrusions are often used in boats as they resist saltwater and the marine environment while being light and strong.

3.     Display Equipment

Because they are light weight and attractive aluminium extrusions are used in creating display stand and the construction of shelving. The sections can be interlocking for quick assembly and they are easier to move around than other products. Aluminium extrusions can be finished in a wide range of colours and ways to provide and attractive, but durable appearance.

4.     Framing

Extruded aluminium is an ideal material for making picture frames in and size required. It’s also used for frames to hold solar panels and glass windows in all types of windows from buses and boats to aircraft and high rise buildings, frames to hold plant in hydroponics and other agricultural applications.

5.     Industrial

Aluminium is now the number one material of choice in many industries because it’s relatively cheap and easy to work with. Aluminium extrusions can be used to fabricate almost anything; it can easily be cut, drilled, trimmed or extended, welded or riveted together.

It’s commonly used to make work benches and tables as well as for making guards around machines and fitted with clear Lexan panels that allow for safe viewing while giving protection. Conveyor belt rollers and ladders, work platforms and stairways are just a few of the areas where aluminium extrusions are commonly used.

Many aircraft are built with aluminium extrusions making up their frame as well as protective skin, the seats and floors, because it’s so light, but very strong and stable.

Once you start to consider which things around you are made using aluminium extrusions it becomes clear that it is one of the most commonly used industrial materials in the world and it would be unthinkable for the world to suddenly have to do without this extremely versatile product.

Aluminium extrusions can be found all around us, from the seats and tables in your local café, the treads on an escalator, to the frames on the windows of the tallest buildings and jet planes. It’s used in all industries as well as agriculture and fisheries, hospitals, schools and in our homes.