All about Aluminium Profiles

Aluminium profiles are a fantastic tool that, when used with LED tape, can create a beautiful and stylish lighting feature. Here is a Q&A with an Aluminium Profile expert to help you learn more.

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What are aluminium profiles used for?

‘Aluminium profiles are used in conjunction with LED tape to provide a continuous light source that can be installed in many different locations. Depending on the profile and the LED tape used, a dotless lighting effect can be achieved. Where the cover on an aluminium profile is diffused, this reduces the visibility of LED diodes. Profiles ensure that LED tape is fitted securely and adds an extra level of protection to the tape inside. It also acts as a heat sink which increases the lifespan of the tape. The appearance of tape within an aluminium profile is much more sleek and discreet which is why a lot of people opt for this as their preferred choice of LED tape installation.’

How do you fit aluminium profiles?

‘There are two ways to fit an aluminium profile and there are different profiles to suit each installation type. The first and simplest method is to surface mount the profile. To do this you just need to use the fixing clips that are supplied with the product. These provide a robust solution to ensure that the profile remains secure. The second option is to recess mount the profile. To do this you would need to router a channel to match the dimensions of the profile. The product should then be fixed in place within the channel; sometimes extra adhesive is used to keep the profile safe and in place. Detailed cross-sectional drawings can be obtained from TLW on each profile to assist with the installation’

What finishes do aluminium profiles come in?

‘The majority of TLW’s range of aluminium profiles are available in black, white and aluminium. This means that they are very versatile and can be used in any style room in any location. The number of colour options available are dependant on the profile and where it would be used; you can find this information in the TLW brochures and on the TLW website (www.tlwglobal.com). If you would like more information about which profiles are available in which colours, please feel free to get in touch with us on [email protected] or call one of our team members on +44 (0)1302 238129.’

Where can you use aluminium profiles?

‘Aluminium profiles are extremely versatile products. They can be used for task, ambient and decorative purposes throughout the home. Within the kitchen environment it is popular to use surface mounted aluminium profiles as under cabinet lighting to effectively illuminate the work surface. In the bathroom it is often used to provide extra IP protection to LED tapes to ensure that the product is protected against water and moisture ingress. Each of the aluminium profiles in the TLW range have a different purpose; some are suitable for use in the floor, others in the wall and some can even be bent into a curved angle. If you have a particular application you are unsure of, please contact our team.’

Which LED tapes can you use with aluminium profiles?

‘There are three aluminium profiles within the TLW range that can be used with all TLW LED tapes. These are the Surface profile (K01-1050), the Recessed profile (K01-1055) and the Corner profile (K01-1060). Other aluminium profiles in the range can be used with all LED tapes except for the RGB and RGBCCT tapes as these are wider than the profiles. These include the Smart Surface profile (K01-1035), Smart Recessed profile (K01-1037), the Slim profile (K01-1000) and the Tee profile (K01-1200). Finally, we have seven profiles that are suitable for use with all of our tapes except the RGBCCT tape. These are the Arc profile (K01-1002), the Step profile (K01-1020), the Floor profile (K01-1040), the Back (k01-1015), the Wall profile (K01-1045), the Display profile (K01-1065) and the Ray Aluminium hanging rail profile (K01-1070).’

How are aluminium profiles supplied?

‘Customers can purchase TLW’s aluminium profiles in two ways. The standard length that the profiles are available in is 2 metres. You can simply purchase the profiles in the standard 2m sizes, providing it suits your requirements. Alternatively, customers can take advantage of the TLW bespoke service. This gives them the ability to order aluminium profiles in bespoke sizes, fitted with the LED tape of their choice already inside. This makes installation very simple and cost effective as customers are not buying raw material that then results in wastage when product is cut to size. If you are interested in using this service, please contact our team. TLW are capable of supplying high volumes of bespoke aluminium profile with no minimum or maximum order quantities.’

To see the TLW range of profiles in more details, please click here to watch our product overview.

For more information, contact the TLW team on 01302 741941, visit our VEWtube channel for informative videos, or email us here.

Alternatively, you can also visit our contact us page.

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Everything about Aluminum Profiles

Release time:2023-07-26

Have you heard about aluminum profiles? Standard aluminum profiles have gradually become some of the most integral materials across various industries to suit varied residential, industrial, and construction applications. Among the notable drivers of this trend is that aluminum profiles fully exploit the remarkable properties of aluminum metal. Ideally, this alloy is not only versatile and highly resistant to corrosion, but it is also machinable, malleable, lightweight, and smooth.

Having said so, manufacturers have inventively crafted multiple ways to produce aluminum profiles, with their uses ranging from simple window frames and door kick plates to more complex applications like piping channels and shipping containers.

We've got you covered if you want to learn everything about aluminum profiles. Here, you will learn answers to common aluminum profile-related questions like:

●       What are aluminum profiles?

●       What are the various types of aluminum profiles?

●       How are aluminum profiles used?

●       What are the advantages of aluminum profiles?

What Are Aluminum Profiles?

Aluminum profiles, also known as 'aluminum frames,' are extrusion products made from extrusion processes and are available in various colors, brightness, and textures. Aluminum profiles define products from aluminum alloys transformed into specifically-shaped objects through extruding. The overall aluminum distinct combination of physical features mostly depends on this particular process.

Typically, aluminum profiles are aluminum extrusion process products, where standard aluminum billets are passed across a die. Overall, the outcome is varied forms of aluminum profiles with wide applications across industrial, constructional, and residential realms.

An aluminum profile is manufactured through metal extrusion. This unique process involves passing aluminum billet into tooling dies with specific cross-sections. Ideally, the resulting product can either come in elongated or small pieces since both are possible. Ideally, the different aluminum profile types are extrusion process products.

How Are Aluminum Profiles Classified?

Now that you know what aluminum profiles are, we can learn about the several types and classifications of extruded aluminum profiles.

Since there are several different types of aluminum profiles, it is only prudent to categorize them into distinct classifications for proper identification. Here are the main classifications of aluminum profiles:

What Is the Classification of Aluminum Profiles?

●       Radiator (Aluminum) profiles

●       Architectural profiles (usually divided into doors, curtain walls, and windows)

●       Mounting of aluminum profile structures to create aluminum alloy photo frames, mounting decorative paintings, and various exhibitions.

●       Aluminum alloy profiles specifically for rail vehicle assembly: primarily used in vehicle body manufacturing

●   General industrial profiles are aluminum profiles primarily used in manufacturing and industrial production like automated equipment, machinery, and shell skeletons. Every company uniquely customizes mold depending on their mechanical equipment needs, like glue dispensers, line conveyor belts, elevators, testing equipment, and shelves. They are also used in clean rooms and the electrochemical industry. 

Classification Based on the Alloy Composition

Aluminum profiles can be divided into specific categories based on the alloy composition. Various aluminum grade classifications are commonly used in the industry, including 1024, 6063, 2011, 6082, 6061, and 7075, although these are the most prominently used series. Ideally, the primary disparity between the different profile grades arises from the difference in metal component proportions, the only exception being aluminum profiles popularly used in windows and doors.

For instance, except for distinct architectural aluminum profiles like curtain wall series, and 70, 60, 90, and 80 series, nothing distinguishes industrial aluminum profiles clearly—most manufacturers create profiles based on actual customer drawings.

Uses of Different Types of Aluminum Alloys

Here are some of the common aluminum alloys and how they are used in various industrial applications

●       1050:  food and brewing industries extrusion coils, Chemicals, firework powder, and various hoses.

●      1060: Applied where high formability and corrosion resistance are necessary but applications that don't require high strength for chemical equipment.

●       1350: Production of Conductive Wires, Wires, Bus Bars, and Transformer Strips.

●       1145: Production of heat exchangers, insulating, and packaging of aluminum foil

●       2011:  Machined products necessitating decent cutting performance and screws.

●     2014:  Mainly applied in applications demanding hardness and high strength (plus high temperatures). Utilized to form forgings, Aircraft heavy-duty, extruded materials, spacecraft parts, thick plates, and truck frames. 

Classification by Surface Treatment Necessities

Here are the various aluminum profiles as per surface treatment provisions

1. Powdersprayed

2. Anodized

3. Woodgrain transfer aluminum

4. Electrophoresiscoated

5. Fluorocarbon-sprayedaluminum

6. Planedaluminum (usually divided into chemical polishing and mechanical planning,with the former being the most expensive and boasting the highest rate).

What Are the Different Types of Aluminum Profiles?

If you are looking for more details, kindly visit Robustness of Aluminium Profiles.

Additional reading:
Slab Formwork: Important and Benefits

Typically, aluminum profile types boast different characteristics depending on their usage. Aluminum profiles or cross sections come in an assortment of thicknesses, a factor that is essential in providing function or form to a given structure.

Manufacturers have significantly invested in using aluminum material to produce profiles primarily due to its numerous properties. The metal is lightweight, highly versatile, and malleable. Also, it offers a significantly lower-cost option by adding foundation and durability to given structures.

Multiple varieties of complex aluminum profiles can be made at varied thicknesses. These aluminum profiles can typically boast various complex void spaces according to the necessary applications. Numerous assortments of internal voids are created to facilitate various automation applications while satisfying specific performance weight needs. The most popular aluminum profile types are the hollow beam profiles, a variation of square profiles. Moreover, there are various aluminum profiles, like single radius, L-shaped, and triangular profiles.

Here are the common types of aluminum profiles:

1. Square Profile

2. Hollow Beam

3. SD Aluminum Profile

4. Door Section

5. RCW Profile

6. T-Section

7. Louver Profile

Square Profile

This is a unique aluminum profile related to hollow-beam options. Square aluminum components satisfy similar needs to hollow beams, with the main disparity being their ability to guarantee more stability. These profiles are available as support pillars, columns, and wall load special bearings. Square beams are crafted either non-seamlessly or otherwise based on the manufacturing process.

The manufacturing process is not only time-consuming but also relatively straightforward. In fact, it only mandates flattening aluminum sheets and integrating the corners making standard squares. Furthermore, their smoothening involves passing piercing points (high pressure) within its middle part for optimal smoothing.

Hollow Beam

As the name suggests, a hollow beam profile is essentially a hollow aluminum beam that doesn't have specific cross-sections. Hollow beams are part of modular installations, particularly in constructional design. A hollow beam is available in various shapes boasting unique sub-classifications for each. They are typically available in various forms, including square-shaped, rectangular beams or hollow bottom/top.

The outcome is usually distinct beams that can be used as part of building support frameworks, bridges, and other industrial application types. Hollow beams are significantly useful in offering horizontal support, particularly where heavy loads are involved.

SD Aluminum Profile

The use of aluminum profiles extends from small to large-scale project applications, and one of the common applications is window framing purposes. Besides being flexible and lightweight, aluminum is also corrosion resistant, among the primary factors contributing to its widespread use to create stable window frames.

An aluminum SD profile makes for high-quality sliding window frames. Since windows are frequently exposed to environmental elements like rain, high temperatures, and dust, it is essential to create robust window frames. With this in mind, SD aluminum does just that since it features remarkable sliding functionality, rigidity, and resistance to different weathering forms, rendering it a fantastic choice.

Door Section

The door section profile, also called the ED section, represents aluminum profiles utilized in heavy-duty glass building doors. ED sections are part of the complete push door application mechanism and usually function as a complete system. You can find glass doors boasting push mechanisms in different commercial spaces.

Aluminum door sections feature a notable classic design that doubles down on the overall functionality and form. You can uniquely secure the glass material with aluminum ED sections, preventing it from toppling or falling unexpectedly.

RCW Profile

An RCW profile is currently among standard high-rise structures' most prominently used aluminum profiles. They are usually applied to mullions or curtain walls. Ideally, RCW profiles are not used for their ability to offer structural function but rather offer a solid barrier to help prevent environmental elements from entering buildings.

Typically, curtain walls are available in varied size options and are generally aluminum-framed. There is a need for these profiles to have the necessary elements to ensure proper sealing of unwanted items from entering a building space's interior. This is among the primary reasons why RCW aluminum profiles are regularly fitted with other standard materials that help prevent the occurrence of leakages.

T-Section

As the name suggests, the t-section aluminum profiles are t-shaped (aluminum) extrusion products that offer support in multiple directions. These aluminum profile structures contain vertical webs, horizontal flanges, and spans. T-section structures can be commonly found in corners, not to mention being part of truss networks. These aluminum profiles are easily interlinked with standard profiles like the square and hollow beam profiles. Moreover, you can also enhance durability and support level by attaching fittings to the T-section profiles.

Louver Profile

Louvers are unique aluminum profile arrangements where slats are joined at regular horizontal intervals at a given angle. Louvers come in various forms, including door shutters and window blinds, and because of their structure, they are primarily used for ventilation and natural lighting passage. Also, louver profiles keep debris from penetrating a building.

An aluminum louver can be made in different designs subject to various building requirements. Due to their aluminum content, these structures can effectively allow cooling and ventilation inside while also helping keep water out. Furthermore, the louver profiles add privacy to building spaces because the angled slats massively reduce visibility.

Custom profiles

On your request, JMA can craft a customized aluminum profile design depending on your specific needs. JMA specializes in producing specially designed aluminum profiles with significantly tiny dimensional tolerances—something that is rather difficult to get on the standard aluminum profile market—designed with diverse aluminum alloys per the desired customer use.

Advantages of Aluminum Profiles

As aforementioned, aluminum profile structures are used in various applications for many reasons, including:

●       Aluminum is stable and strong

●       Malleability—easily machined and cast

●       Good electric conductor

●       Repeated recyclability without loss of integrity

●       Non-magnetic characteristics

With this in mind, aluminum is utilized in several industrial applications, including international space station component production. Here are other advantages of the aluminum profile:

Diversity & Affordability

The characteristics of aluminum being stronger, cheaper, lighter, and usage of less materials compared to solid counterparts make aluminum profiles unique. Aluminum profiles are available in multiple shapes, meaning you can get an ideal one for your unique case.

Superb Mechanical and Malleability Features:

Aluminum has been the choice material for shapes, extrusions, and profiles since it boasts the necessary properties that render it perfect for forming and shaping. Since aluminum metal has high malleability, it is shapeable into various sections without requiring substantial energy on the tooling or forming procedures.

Expends Low Energy:

Aluminum's overall melting point is half of standard steel, meaning the aluminum extrusion process expends low energy. Ideally, this translates into low tooling and manufacturing costs and reduced carbon footprints.

High Strength-to-weight Ratio:

Finally, since aluminum boasts a superb high strength-to-weight ratio, the material is exceptional for industrial usage & applications.

Key Takeaways

The prominent use of aluminum profiles in various industries and applications has transcended mere architectural building support and has expanded beyond standard protection purposes. There is virtually no argument that these profiles rank among the most reliable aluminum uses. The assortment of aluminum profiles available offers support, stability, and function. Manufacturers globally have enhanced their techniques and can now customize aluminum profiles to suit different consumer needs, including window sections, sliding doors, building frameworks, and louvers.

As aforementioned, the primary reason for the prominence is because of the aluminum content that makes the profiles highly machinable and lightweight. As such, the industry can now enjoy aluminum profiles of different sizes to suit varying construction and industrial needs.

Pick a Reliable Aluminum Profile Supplier

The market is now packed with different aluminum suppliers, with differences in product sizes, shapes, and prices being the primary difference. With this in mind, it is essential to choose a suitable supply, and JMA is the ideal fit for your needs. Established over two decades ago, JMA is a reputable aluminum alloy crafting enterprise specializing in aluminum alloy windows, doors, industrial profiles, and materials.

Our products are widely utilized in building templates, electronic communication devices, solar panels, machinery manufacturing, and transportation, among other industries. Furthermore, as an established aluminum profile products supplier, we offer top-notch quality products to our clientele across the globe.

Our reputation as a reliable profile supplier, the unmatched technical advantages of calling us, and our emphasis on customer satisfaction and attention make us an obvious choice for your aluminum profile needs. Finally, despite being headquartered in China, we offer reliable after-sales support to all our customers, notwithstanding where you are around the world—yes, even on other continents!

For more information, please visit aluminum curtain wall profile supplier.