Aluminium profiles. Process and Products

Aluminium profiles are by-products usually for structural purposes. It is possible to distinguish three types of profiles according to their use: construction, architectural and industrial.

• Construction profiles: this profiles offers high bending and torsional stiffness despite their low net weight. Solar panel frames, structures for working platforms and scenarios, etc.
• Architectural profiles: For this applications is very important the surface finish. Architectural profiles are used to made frameworks for windows, doors and curtain walls.
• Industrial purposes: On industry aluminium profiles are used to several purposes where is not too important his stiffness or quality surface, but a combination of both along with other characteristics of the material, such as conductivity, provides a wide variety of uses in industry to this by-product. Some examples can be: cable channels systems, heat sinks, air conditioning, cabinets and furniture, etc.

Thermal treatments

Aluminium as most of metals, requires heat treatments to obtain the desired mechanical properties. For aluminium, as to nickel or titanium, the hardening process is by aging. For this reason is important define the heat treatment according to the application. The three more common heat treatments applied to aluminium profiles are:

• T4: Tempered from the solution temperature by forced air, natural aging.
• T5: Tempering treatment from the extrusion temperature using forced air, then artificial aging. It is the most common heat treatment on aluminum profiles to doors and windows profiles.
• T6: Tempered from the solution temperature by water (under 40ºC) and artificial aging.

Surface treatments

The followings are the most common surface treatments of our aluminum profiles, to allow our customers satisfaction for any constructive necessity.

• Polished: is the process of creating a smooth and shiny surface by rubbing it or using a chemical action.
• Anodized: is a characteristic aluminium coating, this method consist on increase the thickness of the natural oxide layer on the surface of aluminium parts, to obtain greater strength and durability components.
• Powder coating: it can produce thicker coatings than conventional liquid coatings without running or sagging.