All categories
Featured selections
Trade Assurance
Buyer Central
Help Center
Get the app
Become a supplier
(2948 products available)
An external aluminum profile is an aluminum shape used for external applications. Various types of aluminum profiles are available, and they differ in external applications, characteristics, and performance. Here are some common types:
Aluminum I-Beam
The I-Beam has a web with a T-shaped cross section. It is also known as an aluminum H-beam. The I-beam profile is suitable for external applications, such as construction, automotive, and aerospace. It is popular because it has high bending strength, torsional rigidity, and lightweight. The I-beam can be easily integrated into designs and provide excellent structural support.
Aluminum Square Tube
The square tube aluminum profile has a hollow structure. It is suitable for external applications, such as construction, furniture, and frameworks. The square tube has high strength and rigidity. It can resist wind load and is ideal for applications where the structural support is paramount.
Aluminum Rectangular Tube
The aluminum rectangular tube has a hollow structure with a flat surface. It is suitable for external applications, such as construction, trailers, and architectural applications. The aluminum rectangular tube has excellent strength and aesthetic appeal. It is versatile and can be used in different designs.
Aluminum Angle
The aluminum angle profile has L-shaped cross-sections. It is suitable for external applications, such as construction, shelves, and brackets. The aluminum angle has great versatility and provides excellent strength. It is suitable for reinforcing corners and creating frame structures.
Aluminum T-Channel
The T-channel has a T-shaped cross-section. It is suitable for external applications, such as construction, machinery, and framework. The T-channel provides excellent strength and is easy to connect and assemble. It has multiple applications in different industries.
Aluminum Round Pipe
The aluminum round pipe has a circular hollow cross-section. It is suitable for external applications such as construction, fluid transfer, and aesthetics. The aluminum round pipe is lightweight and has high strength. It is suitable for applications where reducing weight is important.
Structural Support:
When it comes to supporting structures, aluminum extrusions really shine—especially the strong, thick-walled profiles. Their strength helps bear loads and keeps things stable. That's why extrusions are commonly used as frames, beams, supports, and brackets in many applications.
Customization:
An awesome feature of external aluminum profiles is that they can be customized for specific needs. Users can choose the shape, size, and other design details of the extrusion to optimize performance and cost for their application. This tailoring is made possible by advanced computer modeling and the flexibility of the extrusion process.
Lightweight:
Aluminum is a relatively light metal, and when it is made into external profiles, this lightness becomes a benefit for many applications. Because extrusions are lighter in weight, they are easier to handle, transport, and install. This can save time and money in construction projects or when building machinery.
Modular Design:
Another key feature of external aluminum profiles is that they are often designed with modularity in mind. This means the different aluminum components can easily fit together like a construction set. Because of this, modular designs using extrusions allow for quick assembly and disassembly.
Versatility:
Aluminum profiles are extremely versatile and can be used in various applications. For example, they are widely used in construction to make window frames, doors, walls, and roofs. Aluminum extrusions are also common in the automotive industry for body parts, frames, heat, and more. Other sectors that utilize aluminum profiles include electronics, furniture, lighting, and aerospace.
Ease of Assembly:
Aluminum profiles are designed so that components can be easily and securely connected. They often have features like slots, grooves, and interlocking edges that allow parts to be assembled without complicated machining. This makes the construction process much easier.
Corrosion Resistance:
Aluminum has a special ability: when it gets exposed to air, it forms a protective layer that helps prevent corrosion. This is beneficial for external profiles because it means the aluminum parts will last longer when exposed to environmental elements. The natural oxidation process protects the material by stopping further degradation.
External aluminum profiles are commonly used in various applications. Below are some of the scenarios where external aluminum profiles are used:
Construction and Architecture
Aluminum construction profiles are widely used in construction for structural support and design flexibility. Aluminum frame windows and doors are commonly used in residential and commercial buildings. These frames are lightweight, durable, and resistant to rust, making them a popular choice in modern building architecture. Aluminum is used in the construction of canopies, awnings, and pergolas. These structures are used to create outdoor shades, walkways covers, and entryway decorations. Aluminum's lightweight and corrosion-resistant properties make it suitable for these applications.
Automotive Industry
External aluminum profiles are widely used in the automotive industry due to their lightweight and strength properties. Aluminum body panels are used in the construction of car doors, hoods, trunks, and fenders. These panels are lightweight and help improve fuel efficiency by reducing a vehicle's overall weight. Aluminum is also used in the construction of chassis, frames, and subframes. For example, some sports cars and luxury vehicles use aluminum monocoque chassis, which are lightweight and rigid. Additionally, aluminum is used in the construction of suspensions components such as control arms and axles.
Consumer Electronics
External aluminum profiles are widely used in consumer electronics. For instance, aluminum laptop casings are used in the construction of body casings of laptops and notebooks. They protect internal components from impact and damage. Additionally, aluminum casings are used in smartphones, tablets, and other portable electronic devices. Also, aluminum is used in the construction of cooling systems for electronics such as heat sinks and fans.
Furniture and Interior Design
Aluminum is widely used in the construction of furniture frames such as chairs, tables, and shelving units. It is also used in the construction of modern sliding doors and windows. These doors and windows are designed with aluminum frames that offer a sleek and minimalist look. Furthermore, aluminum profiles are used in the construction of lighting fixtures such as LED strip lights and pendant lights.
Signage and Displays
External aluminum profiles are widely used in signage due to their lightweight and durability. For instance, aluminum poster frames are used to display posters and advertisements in public places. These frames protect the posters from damage and enhance their visibility. Additionally, aluminum profiles are used in the construction of banners and billboards frames. They are also used in the construction of display cases in shops and retail stores.
Aluminum profile construction
It is important to consider the type of aluminum used in the construction of the external aluminum profile. Aluminum 6063 is the most popular for constructing external profiles because it offers a good balance between cost and corrosion resistance. Aluminum 6060 is also popular because it is easy to work with and has high corrosion resistance. Aluminum 6005, on the other hand, is used when extra strength is needed. It is also important to consider the thickness of the aluminum. A thicker aluminum wall means more durability, but it also means more weight.
Pay attention to the finish.
The finish greatly influences the appearance and longevity of the external aluminum profile. Anodizing, powder coating, extrusion with a paint-filled cavity, and wood grain transfer are all popular finishes. Anodizing offers extra protection against corrosion, while powder coating offers a wide range of colors and finishes. Wood grain transfer is a finish that resembles other materials, such as wood, and offers additional design options.
Aluminum profile shape.
The external aluminum profiles are in various shapes, such as square, rectangular, and corner profiles. The square and rectangular profiles are versatile and can be used in multiple applications. Corner profiles are L-shaped and are used in applications where a 90-degree angle is needed.
Consider the quality of the welding.
The welding quality affects the strength and appearance of the aluminum. A good weld should be smooth and even without defects like burns, spatter, and gaps. It is important to inspect the weld closely and ensure it meets the required standards.
Aluminum profile size and weight.
The size and weight of the external aluminum profile affect the transportation and handling costs. Larger and heavier profiles are more expensive to transport and handle. It is essential to find a balance between the size and weight of the profile and the cost.
Q1: How is an aluminum profile extruded?
A1: An aluminum profile is extruded by forcing molten aluminum through a shaped die. The resulting profile is then cooled and cut to the desired length.
Q2: What are the different types of aluminum profiles for construction?
A2: There are several types of aluminum profiles for construction, including T-slot aluminum extrusions, square and rectangular tubes, angle profiles, U-channel and C-channel profiles, flat bars, round and oval tubes, and architectural shapes.
Q3: What are the three types of aluminum plating?
A3: The three types of aluminum plating are anodized, painted, and powder-coated aluminum profiles. Anodizing is a chemical process that provides a durable finish, while painting and powder coating involve applying a colored coating to the aluminum for aesthetics and added protection.
Q4: What are the three main aluminum profiles?
A4: The three main aluminum profiles are structural, decorative, and functional profiles. Structural profiles include beams and columns, decorative profiles encompass moldings and trims, and functional profiles consist of items like wire ducts and corner covers.
Q5: What is the lifespan of aluminum extrusions?
A5: The lifespan of aluminum extrusions varies depending on the alloy used and the surface finish. However, aluminum is known for its durability and resistance to corrosion and can last several decades, especially when exposed to harsh weather conditions.
