Aluminum’s good formability makes it possible to incorporate features such as joints, screw pockets and circuit board slots directly into the profiles. This simplifies processing and assembly and increases the range of applications. The profiles can be customized according to customer needs and product requirements.
Extrusion is a cost-effective method with relatively low tooling costs and short set-up times, making it suitable even for short runs.
Tips for optimal profile design
- Think before you act – Changing the design phase is significantly cheaper than changing the finished product.
- Exploiting the material’s properties – Aluminum’s good formability, mechanical properties and environmental resistance offer great opportunities.
- Consult with experts – Consult specialists to optimize the profile design and manufacturing process.
Technical properties of aluminum
- Density: 2.7 kg per cubic decimeter, making it three times lighter than iron.
- Conductivity: Approximately 60% of the conductivity of electrolytic copper for electricity and heat.
- Oxide layer: Aluminum forms a protective oxide layer on contact with atmospheric oxygen. If the layer is damaged, it is automatically re-formed.
- Strength: Aluminum alloys have tensile strengths between 70 and 700 MPa.
- Temperature resistance: retains its toughness even at temperatures down to -200°C.
- Length expansion: Has a relatively large coefficient of length expansion.
