Aluminum profile box

Aluminum as a material:

WEIGHT

Aluminum is a very lightweight metal with a weight of 2.7 kg/ dm3, about a third of the weight of steel. The use of aluminum in cars, for example, reduces the weight and energy consumption and increases the load capacity.

STRENGTH

Aluminum has good compressive strength and its tensile strength ranges from 70 to 700 MPa, depending on the alloy and the production method. By using extruded profiles with suitable alloys and in the correct cross-section, a strength comparable to that of steel structures can be achieved.

ELASTICITY MODULE

The Young's Modulus of aluminum is three times smaller than that of steel (E = 70GPa), which means that the inertia moment of the aluminum profiles has to be three times greater in order to achieve the same resistance as the one of steel profiles.

FORMATION

Aluminum is suitable for moulding - a process used in extrusion. Aluminum may be cast, drawn or rolled.

MACHINE PROCESSING

Aluminum allows easy machine processing and for this purpose simple tools (saws, bores, etc.) can be used. It can be moulded in a hot and cold state.

CONNECTION

Aluminum elements can be bonded through welding, soldering, adhesive bonding and riveting processes.

CORROSION RESISTANCE

Aluminum naturally forms a protective oxide coating and is highly resistant to corrosion. This layer can be further reinforced by surface treatment such as anodization or electrostatic powder coating.

LINEAR EXPANSION

Aluminum has a relatively high coefficient of linear expansion compared to other metals. This should be taken into account at the design phase in order to avoid possible discrepancies.

NON-TOXICITY

Aluminum is non-toxic and therefore very suitable for food preparation and storage.

REFLECTION OF LIGHT

Aluminum has good reflective properties.