
Team AL Circle
2024-06-30
Aluminium comes with extraordinary sustainability and recyclability, coupled with other features like lightweight nature and strength. This makes metal an ideal choice for a wide range of applications. However, aluminium's story doesn't stop here. You can also extrude aluminium to different profiles. Because of its extrusion properties, aluminium is a lucrative element for applications where time, cost, and process repeatability are important parameters.
AL Circle's industry focused report, The World of ALuminium Extrusions - Industry forecast to 2030 unveiled that in the post-pandemic era, the aluminium extrusion market rebounded in almost all regions, with global extrusion usage reaching an estimated 31.5 million tonnes in 2023.Over the forthcoming seven years, the aluminium extrusion demand is anticipated to experience a CAGR of approximately 3.51%, reaching a volume of 40.1 million tonnes by 2030. This value is continuously on the rise with the versatile applications of these extrusions. So, here we are going to talk about some of the unique benefits of aluminium extrusion that are not much talked about:
1. Excellent machinability
Aluminium extrusions can be easily machined and drilled as and when required. They can also be tapped and sheared without much hindrance. Because of their enhanced machinability, they can be used to form products of different varieties. In fact, different products can be made from the same machine by simply changing the die. In addition, the die change operation is simple, convenient, and affordable. This causes extruded aluminium to become a cost-effective option for industrial costs.
2. Superior conductivity
Aluminium is better with heat and cold than most other metals. So, aluminium extrusions are ideal for applications that require heat dissipation or heat exchange. Extruded aluminium also possesses a high level of flexibility. This allows designers to optimise heat dissipation in different components easily. Other than that, this metal also offers a high level of electrical conductivity. The high conductivity makes aluminium extrusions a cost-effective alternative for electric connectors and busbar distribution components. In fact, its conductivity is twice as much as that of copper!
3. Enhanced aesthetics
In addition to the various structural advantages, extruded aluminium components also come with enhanced visual appeal. The smooth and consistent finishes can be used to create sophisticated components. These components can complement any modern industrial setting or application. Nowadays, aluminium extrusions also undergo surface treatments like powder coating. This is done to further bring about an overall improvement in their aesthetics. Also, as aluminium does not rust easily, the aluminium surface remains bright and shiny. The lustrous nature adds to its appeal.
4. High strength-to-weight ratio
Aluminium extrusions are strong for their weight. Their unique combination of high strength and low weight is the reason why aluminium extrusions are ideal for a wide variety of applications. They are used in bridges, truck trailers, aerospace, etc, where load carrying is an important factor. Aluminium extrusions can be made as strong as needed for most applications. The extrusion process ensures that the strength is concentrated where it is exactly needed. Their lightweight nature makes the extrusions easy to handle and less expensive. They are also an attractive material for applications where weight reduction is a priority.
5. Recyclable
As you know, aluminium can be recycled an infinite number of times with no degradation in its properties. The extrusions also possess this unique feature of their parent metal. The extrusions can be recycled as and when required. Extrusion products are often produced with high recycled content without compromising functionality or aesthetics. The extrusions' inherent property of strength, lightweight and design flexibility makes them a highly sustainable solution for the environment.
6. Wide range of applications
aluminium extrusions to meet your specific aesthetics, functional and manufacturability objectives. This makes them a preferred choice element for a wide range of products. These extruded profiles produce more than just simple pipes, bars, and wires. They can be used to produce complex cross- sectional shapes and solid profile products.
7. Less maintenance & low material loss
Aluminium profiles are known for their durability and extended lifespan. These properties reduce their need for frequent placement. With minimal maintenance, aluminium extruded products can remain in service for prolonged periods, again helping to reduce the overall environmental footprint. The amount of material lost while using aluminium extrusions to form different products is also less, adding to their recyclability.
8. Accepts surface finishes and is reflective
Complex shapes can easily be created using extruded aluminium sections without having to depend on mechanical joining, offering a seamless finish. The surface treatment can also be used to produce high reflectance on aluminium components. Because of this property, aluminium extrusion is an essential material for lighting applications. It is also quite desirable in applications used for shielding areas from light, radio waves, and infrared radiation.
9. Non-magnetic, non-combustible and nontoxic
Aluminium does not acquire any magnetic charge. This property makes aluminium extrusion extremely useful in high-voltage applications and electronics where magnetic field comes into action. Aluminium also does not burn even at high temperatures, making it a non-combustible solution. The extrusions also do not produce any toxic fumes when used at high temperatures. Even after exposing these materials to high temperatures for a considerable amount of time, you will observe no change in their properties.
10. Easy to fabricate, assemble and tailor
Aluminium extrusions come with highly effective designs. This can greatly simplify the fabrication and assembly process. Several fabrication processes are employed in the production of different extrusion-based components. Because of the easy fabrication and assembly process, aluminium extrusions can be used in a plethora of applications. The extrusion profiles can also be tailored to meet specific industrial needs.
11. Quick to market
Now, here's another big advantage of using aluminium extrusion. The entire tooling process of aluminium extrusion is inexpensive. It takes a short period for you to use aluminium extrusion for various applications. This allows for rapid prototype development, testing, and product launch. As the products can be developed quickly, the time to market the products is also reduced. You can also use aluminium extrusion as your primary building material for equipment if you are operating on a tight budget.
To summarise
Aluminium extrusions are basically everywhere. From automobiles to aerospace, you will find aluminium extrusions to be one of the most important industrially used materials. These extrusions are also described as the materials of opportunity. Their excellent machinability and attractive finish make them ideal for practically all kinds of applications. They are also known for their high strength and lightweight nature. With further progress in the material and manufacturing field, we will witness aluminium extrusions being used for a wider range of applications, making them the ideal material for industrial purposes.
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