As technology has evolved, aluminium has found use in various activities across industries. Building and construction is one sector where aluminium is used copiously inside and outside buildings. In the Indian economy, the construction sector is considered the most significant revenue contributor and employment provider after agriculture.
KPMG estimates that by 2025 it will become the third largest globally, following China and America, and will be valued at more than USD1 trillion. However, it is known to be one of the top sources of pollution, and as the industry advances, new-age solutions and technologies are slowly coming to light. The construction industry is also trying to attain sustainability and decarbonise the sector. Therefore at this junction, the green metal, aluminium, is an obvious choice for developers. They are increasingly using aluminium extrusions.
What is aluminium extrusion?
The process of aluminium extrusion involves pushing or forcing the aluminium metal alloy through a die into a desired shape. Simply put, it is like pressing dough through a noodle maker to convert a lump of wheat into long strands. In the case of extrusion, hydraulic pressure is needed to produce enough pressure to push the aluminium through the die.
Aluminium is a highly malleable metal, and manufacturers use it to produce hollow, semi-hollow, and solid shapes, along with long or short components. It can be done through continuous or semi- continuous processes. It is easy to extrude aluminium into complex shapes. Although both cold and hot processes are used to extrude aluminium, cold extrusion is ideal for aluminium as it lends the metal some additional strength and a better finish.
Advantages of aluminium extrusion in the building and construction sector:
From window frames and scaffolding to lift shafts and decking, aluminium extrusions are used everywhere in a building. Here are five advantages of using aluminium extrusions in buildings:
- Although aluminium is a lightweight metal, it can be moulded into the strength of various degrees through profile structure design, use of different alloys and temper.
- Aluminium extrusion enables builders to achieve complex one-piece structures without mechanical joined parts. Therefore they are more robust.
- Aluminium is corrosion-resistant and rust-free. Additionally, various surface coverings such as anodising, PVDF paints and powder coating can be done to give the metal a fancy look.
- Aluminium is a lighter metal than iron, steel, copper or brass. It makes extrusion easier to handle and affordable. Therefore it makes an attractive metal material for reducing the weight of products. Hence, it is now popular in aerospace, truck trailer, bridge, automobile, and construction formworks.
- Even at extremely high temperatures, aluminium does not produce any toxic fumes when burning. Hence it is increasingly used in construction works.
- Aluminium’s good conductibility makes aluminium extrusions ideal for applications requiring heat exchangers and heat dissipation. Aluminium extrusion’s design flexibility allows engineering to design suitable heat dissipation in the building.
- Aluminium is a highly recyclable metal, and so are aluminium extrusions. They can be easily melted and recycled to create new structures. Therefore they are popular amongst architects and manufacturers.
Why is the building and construction sector turning towards aluminium?
India’s building and construction sector are undergoing several changes, among which the notable ones are the Green Building Revolution and Green Construction Technology. In an attempt to create energy-efficient and self-sufficient buildings and structures, builders and architects are actively joining the Green Building Revolution. The sector is striving to lower its negative impact on the environment, and aluminium is emerging as a key ingredient in green and sustainable buildings. The aluminium recycling rate specific to the construction industry is around 92 per cent -95 per cent. Due to its properties like recyclability, flexibility, malleability and strength, aluminium is replacing other metals in constructing green structures. LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certified buildings call aluminium the primary sustainable material.
Final words:
Experts say that nearly 60 per cent of all aluminium extrusion products are used in the building and construction industry. Aluminium extrusion can make builders greener and enable the construction sector to reach its sustainability goals.
