Industrial aluminum profiles are industrial aluminum profiles with different cross-sectional shapes, sizes, and properties obtained from aluminum rods through hot melting. The production process is as follows:
Aluminum rod preparation: First, suitable pure aluminum rods or aluminum alloy rods need to be prepared. The quality and composition of these aluminum rods have a decisive impact on the performance of the final extruded industrial aluminum profiles. Hot melting: The aluminum rods are fed into a furnace for heating to a temperature suitable for extrusion. This process is called hot melting. Extrusion: The hot-melted aluminum rods are fed into an extrusion machine, and through the extrusion action of the mold, they are formed into the required cross-sectional shape. The design and manufacturing of the mold play a decisive role in the cross-sectional shape, dimensional accuracy, and surface quality of the aluminum profiles. Cooling and straightening: The extruded aluminum profiles need to go through a cooling process to stabilize their shape and size. Subsequently, straightening treatment may be required to ensure the straightness and flatness of the aluminum profiles. Surface treatment: Depending on the requirements, the aluminum profiles can undergo surface treatments such as anodizing, sandblasting, powder coating, etc., to increase their corrosion resistance, aesthetics, or other functional properties. Quality inspection: Finally, the aluminum profiles undergo quality inspection to ensure compliance with relevant standards and specifications. This may include dimensional measurement, mechanical performance testing, visual inspection, etc.
Industrial aluminum profiles are widely used in various industries and production fields due to their characteristics such as lightweight, high strength, corrosion resistance, ease of processing, and modular connection. These industries include machinery manufacturing, automation equipment, transportation, chemical industry, food, medical, etc.
The processing methods of industrial aluminum profiles mainly include the following four steps:
Cutting: Since industrial aluminum profiles are generally 6 meters long, they need to be cut into appropriate lengths according to actual needs. Cutting includes length cutting and angle cutting. Common angle cuts include 45-degree angle cutting and special angle cutting. To ensure high surface smoothness of aluminum profiles, no burrs, and no need for secondary processing, professional aluminum profile cutting saws are usually used in conjunction with professional circular saw blades.
Drilling: Surface drilling on the aluminum profiles is done to install industrial holes as required. The position of the holes needs to be drilled at specified locations based on different sizes and drawing requirements of the industrial aluminum profiles. Industrial holes generally include through holes, countersunk holes, blind holes, mounting holes, etc., and the position accuracy and depth of the holes need to be strictly controlled.
Tapping: Drill holes in the center of the end face of the aluminum profiles for installing bolts. The tapping process needs to be based on the size of the installation bolts selected.
Precision machining: Precision machining generally includes hole milling, groove milling, face milling, end milling, etc., to meet specific design or functional requirements. These machining steps are usually completed with the help of CNC machining equipment.
The processing methods of industrial aluminum profiles have some notable advantages and relatively few disadvantages.
Advantages: Lightweight and high strength: Aluminum has low density, so processed aluminum profiles are lightweight but have high strength and stiffness, suitable for applications that require weight reduction. Easy to process: Aluminum profiles have good ductility and processability, and can be customized through cutting, drilling, tapping, and other processing methods to achieve various complex design requirements. Corrosion resistance: Aluminum surfaces form a strong oxide film, which has good corrosion resistance and can be used for a long time in humid, acidic, and alkaline environments. Modular connection: Aluminum profiles can be quickly connected using various modular aluminum accessories without the need for welding. They are easy to assemble and disassemble, enabling the rapid construction of various mechanical structures and frames. Aesthetics: After surface treatment, aluminum profiles have an aesthetically pleasing appearance with uniform color, improving the overall appearance quality of products.
Disadvantages: Relatively high cost: The manufacturing cost of aluminum profiles is relatively high, especially when complex processing and surface treatment are required, the cost will further increase. Relatively less rigidity: Although aluminum profiles have high strength, their rigidity may be relatively lower compared to some other metal materials, making them less suitable for applications that require extremely high rigidity. Easy to deform: Improper handling during processing and use may lead to deformation or warping of aluminum profiles. Attention should be paid to the precision of processing and installation. Limited temperature resistance: Aluminum has limited temperature resistance. Its performance may change in high or low-temperature environments. The limitations of the usage environment need to be considered.
