Blog - Aluminum Extrusion Articles
Articles on Topics Such as Finishing, Alloys, and MoreAll Categories
6061 vs. 6063 Aluminum: Which Alloy Should You Select for Your Project?
Aluminum alloys 6061 and 6063 are two of the most common for extrusion. They have applications in aerospace, construction, transportation, recreational products, and numerous other industries. They share many similar properties, making it difficult for some designers...
Aluminum Extrusion Dies: This is What Designers Should Know
The aluminum extrusion process can be used to produce a wide range of shapes. You may be most familiar with standard shapes such as angles, channels, and tubes — all of which are commonly available from extruders and distributors. However, the flexibility of the...
What is Aluminum Extrusion? The Process in 10 Steps
The use of aluminum extrusion in product design and manufacturing has increased significantly in recent decades. According to a recent report from Technavio, between 2019-2023 the growth of the global aluminum extrusion market will be accelerating with a Compound...
Category: Aluminum Finishing
Extrusions can be finished in a variety of ways, including by anodization, powder coating, painting, sublimation, and so on. This series of articles takes a look at the different options available as well as their benefits and drawbacks.
Anodizing vs. Powder Coat: How to Choose the Right Aluminum Finish
If you are producing an aluminum part or product, you likely want it to have a protective and attractive surface treatment. And with all the options available, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. This article compares two of the most popular surface finishing processes:...
Anodized Aluminum 101: Here are 10 Important Questions Answered
You’ve likely seen anodized aluminum products in your daily life. Anodizing is an easy way to add corrosion protection and a splash of color to aluminum. You’ll find this finish on sports equipment, automotive parts, handheld devices, and a wide range of other...
PVDF Coatings for Architectural Aluminum: What You Need to Know
Are you curious about the benefits and drawbacks of PVDF coatings and how they compare to other aluminum finishing options? Perhaps you need more details about how they’re applied, or maybe you want to know how they compare to powder coating. In this article, we...
Category: Aluminum Alloys
Profiles can be produced in a variety of alloys and some of the most common include 6061, 6063, 2024, and 7075. This series of articles takes a look at some different alloys, focusing on their properties and applications.
Which Aluminum Alloys are Best for Welding, and Can You Weld Your Product?
Aluminum and its alloys are extremely popular for a wide range of applications. Nevertheless, there is a common misconception that aluminum cannot be effectively joined through normal welding processes the way steel alloys can. Many people think they have no choice...
Which Aluminum Alloy is This? A Guide to Aluminum Alloy Nomenclatures
If you’re looking for an aluminum alloy that will satisfy the needs of your project, you might find that not every aluminum supplier uses the same naming structure for their alloys. This is particularly evident if you’re looking for aluminum suppliers based in another...
Aluminum Grades: What are the Types of Aluminum, and How are They Classified?
If you’re designing a metal product, you’ve likely considered using aluminum as the base material. It has a high strength-to-weight ratio, good corrosion resistance, good formability, and aesthetic appeal. These factors have led to its increased popularity in recent...
Category: Aluminum Heatsinks
Heatsinks are important in electronics manufacturing because they dissipate the high heat that is sometimes generated. Extrusion is the most common method of heatsink manufacturing. Here are some important considerations.
6 Heat Sink Types: Which One is Best for Your Project?
Whether you’re designing computers, LED lighting, or other electronics, you need to think about heat sinks. Heat sinks absorb and dissipate the heat from these devices, helping to keep them cool. Today we'll talk about some different types of heat sinks, how...
Copper vs. Aluminum Heatsinks: What You Need to Know
Electronic devices can generate a lot of heat. So, heatsinks play an important role in helping to cool them. You may be aware that aluminum is the most popular metal for heatsinks, but that copper is also sometimes used. You may also realize that copper has...
Anodized Aluminum Heatsinks: What You Need to Know
Heat sinks play an important role in electronic and mechanical devices. They act as passive heat exchangers, transferring heat from hot components to a fluid medium (usually air). There are different types of heat sinks. Some are made from copper and some are...
Category: Why Aluminum Extrusions?
Extrusions have played an increasingly important role in modern product design. These articles explore some of the reasons why and provide tips for designers who may be considering their use.
What is Ductility in Metals, and Why is it an Advantage of Aluminum?
When thinking about the best metal for a project, it’s natural to think that strength is the most important physical property. After all, the stronger a material is, the better, right? In reality, metals and their properties are much more nuanced than that. Although...
How Strong is Aluminum, and How Does its Strength Compare to Steel?
When thinking of strong materials, either for a project or in general conversation, aluminum isn't typically the first material to pop into people’s minds. Many relate aluminum with kitchen foil, beverage cans, and foldable furniture — products that are not exactly...
Which Aluminum Alloys are Best for Welding, and Can You Weld Your Product?
Aluminum and its alloys are extremely popular for a wide range of applications. Nevertheless, there is a common misconception that aluminum cannot be effectively joined through normal welding processes the way steel alloys can. Many people think they have no choice...