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What do you know about aluminum profiles?

2020-10-30
1.History of Aluminum
In most homes when the word aluminium is heard most people automatically think of foil. After all, aluminium foil is present in almost every single kitchen across the globe. But aluminium is so much more precious than that, and the vast majority of people are unaware that it surrounds us a great deal playing key roles in everyday life from transportation, construction, packaging, electronics, utensils, household items and so much more.
Aluminium is the third most abundant element in the earth’s crust and its compounds have been used by man since the earliest of times. Ancient Middle Eastern civilisations used its salts for the preparation of dyes and medicines, and at one point in history, it was considered such a valuable commodity that rulers and the wealthy preferred impressing their guests with plates and cutlery made from aluminium rather than gold.

1825-1845
In 1825 Hans Christian Oersted was the first to prepare pure metallic aluminium and in 1845 Friedrich Wöhler established many of the metal’s properties, including the remarkable lightness. It was this discovery that truly excited researchers and paved the way for development. Aluminum is a product with unique properties. It has a low density, is non-toxic, has a high thermal conductivity, excellent corrosion resistance, is non-magnetic, non-sparking and can be easily cast, machined and formed. It is the second most malleable metal, the sixth most ductile and is 100% recyclable. As an alloy it is both strong and durable while maintaining its light property. These exceptional qualities have made it an essential product for the building industry.

1920-1930
Aluminium was first used in quantity for building and construction in the 1920s. The applications were primarily oriented toward decorative detailing and art deco structures. The breakthrough came in 1930, when major structures within the Empire State Building in New York were built with aluminium; including interior structures and the famous spire.
Today, aluminium is recognized as one of the most energy efficient and sustainable construction materials. It is the second most widely specified metal in building after steel, and is used in all sectors from commercial building to domestic dwelling.
We can proudly say that the extraordinary characteristics and properties of aluminium as a material have lead to revolutionary and innovative changes in building techniques and in architectural and engineering projects. Aluminium is leading the way into the future of the building and construction industry and we are excited to be a part of this journey.

2.Profile design of extruded aluminium profiles
Manufacturing of extruded aluminium profiles
Extrusion is a process whereby profiles are moulded. The extrusion process resembles squeezing toothpaste out of a tube. The toothpaste is a heated, cylindrical aluminium block also called a billet while the toothpaste tube is the so-called tool. As you can see in the illustration, the billet (pre-heated in an induction furnace to 450-500 degrees Celsius) is pushed through the tool/die, t which the profile is brought to the desired shape.
When the profile leaves the tool, it is cooled with water or air, after which the profiles are drawn while they are still "soft". This removes any tension build-up in the aluminium while the desired and correct profile dimensions are achieved. The profiles are then cut and afterwards given their final strength by being subjected either to heat and/or to cold hardening.
Many options and golden ground rules
There are many opportunities when it comes to profile design, but there are certain ground rules which should be taken into account to optimise the profile's suitability for production. This way you will typically create the most suitable design solutions for your profile design.
The table below displays selected examples of extruded profiles with preferred design shapes. The table is simplified, which is why you should always contact us as early as possible during the concept phase.

 
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