Different types of rolled products have been actively used in construction for many years. One of the most versatile types of such rolled metal is an aluminum channel, which has a number of advantages over its steel counterpart.
The photo shows a general view of the U-shaped aluminum channel
DST requirements for aluminum channel
Channel aluminum, as well as its steel counterpart, has a U-shaped cross section and belongs to the class of standardized bent profiles. The method of pressing is used to make such channels, requirements for which are defined in GOST 8617-81. As a material for the manufacture of such a profile, in accordance with the requirements of GOST 4784-97, use aluminum or its alloys with magnesium. Requirements for ready-made aluminum channels, their size and range are regulated by a separate State Standard - 13623-90. According to this document, such products can only be of the same type. In the marking of aluminum profiles of U-shaped section, which can be produced up to 6 meters, the number is specified, corresponding to the width of its upper part - the base.
Aluminum channel width 55 cm
Channel aluminum, which is issued according to requirements of the corresponding standards, classified by several parameters. One such parameter is the state of the material, of which it is made. Depending on this characteristic, aluminum U-shaped profiles are as follows:
- made by hot pressing and not subjected to further heat treatment (in the designation of such products only the brand of material is indicated, from which they are made: aluminum or its alloys);
- undergo hardening and subsequent natural aging after manufacture (such aluminum profiles are denoted by the letter "T");
- aged after quenching artificially (designation T1);
- subjected to incomplete hardening, and then aged artificially (marking T5);
- subjected to annealing (such profiles are characterized by increased softness and are marked with the letter "M").
The use of aluminum channel in the manufacture of double-glazed windows
Strength, which is owned by any aluminum channel, is formed primarily due to the chemical composition of the metal alloy, of which it is made. Meanwhile, this figure can be significantly improved, if the finished product is subjected to further hardening and tempering. However, it should be borne in mind, that the aluminum n-shaped profile after such a technological procedure will be less ductile. According to the level of strength channels, made of aluminum and its alloys, divided into the following categories:
- products with a normal level of strength;
- channels with the increased durability, denoted by the letters "PP".
Aluminum U-shaped profiles also differ in their main purpose. So, they can be products:
- general purpose;
- intended for use in the electrical engineering field.
Aluminum U-shaped channel with anti-corrosion coating
Though, that aluminum and its alloys are very corrosion resistant materials, the surface of products from them is still protected by various structures. As such protective coatings are most often used:
- liquid paints and varnishes, denoted by the letters "Zhl";
- liquid compositions, applied by electrophoresis technology - "She";
- oxide films, obtained by electrolytic anodizing - "An";
- powder polymer compositions - "P";
- two-layer compositions of complex type - "To".
Channel aluminum, standard sizes
Aluminum channel, on which a protective coating is applied, not only becomes much more durable, but also has a more attractive appearance.
The main characteristics of the U-shaped profile
Whatever the size (the width of the base, shelf height) had no channels of aluminum and its alloys, all of them are made of blanks of one type - sheet metal with a minimum thickness.
The U-shaped cross section of such a profile contributes to this, that it is not inferior in its strength characteristics of pipes with similar geometric parameters. Due to these characteristics, channels made of aluminum and its alloys successfully replace pipes in various, including in building constructions, significantly reducing their weight and, in accordance, load on load-bearing elements and foundation. Aluminum channels of various assortment are successfully used both as bearing and traveling elements, and their plasticity and ease of processing allow you to create structures of even the most complex geometric shapes.
Aluminum sheets, used for the manufacture of channels
Modern industry produces a huge variety of U-shaped aluminum profiles, differing in their geometric parameters, and performance characteristics. Such variety of assortment and active use of aluminum rolling of U-shaped section is explained by a number of advantages, which he owns. This includes:
- small specific gravity (while the n-shaped profile of aluminum and its alloys has high strength and rigidity, which makes it possible to use it even on light and old buildings);
- high ductility, thanks to which such a profile can be used to create even the most complex structures;
- exceptional resistance to the formation and development of corrosion, negative environmental influences, that allows to use successfully designs from the aluminum U-shaped profile in the conditions of the increased humidity and sharp temperature differences, without worrying about their performance and durability;
- a large variety of types of aluminum profile in size, and its performance characteristics;
Variety of channel sizes
- ease of use (such a profile is easily machined in any mechanical way and is also easily mounted using various methods of joining metals);
- high heat and electrical conductivity;
- smooth surface, on which dirt does not accumulate, thanks to which care of a profile does not cause any difficulties;
- resistance to deformation under the influence of temperature changes and the ability to transfer them in the range from -80 to +100 degrees;
- exceptional decorativeness even without additional coating;
- safety for human health, and for the environment;
- high fire safety;
- profitability (the aluminum channel is made of non-ferrous metal, which is the most affordable);
- recycling of material, from which the channel is made.
The use of the channel in construction
U-shaped aluminum profile in its strength characteristics is much inferior to its steel counterpart, but in those cases, when lightness is required from load-bearing structures, and they will not be subjected to significant loads during their operation, that its use is more appropriate.
Areas of application of channels from aluminum and its alloys
Aluminum channel due to the huge variety of its range of sizes (10 mm, 16 mm, etc.) and unique characteristics are successfully used to solve problems of various kinds. So, this profile is used when performing construction and finishing works, it is often used as a finishing, base and docking element, it is used to decorate door and window openings, on its basis make eaves designs, etc.. d. Due to the ease of processing and high ductility, the n-shaped aluminum profile is one of the main materials, from which light bearing designs of various configuration are made. With the help of channels, minor repairs are also performed at home.
The use of aluminum channel in finishing work
Specifications, which has an aluminum profile U-shaped cross section, give the chance to create with its help strong, hard, but at the same time light constructions of even the most difficult configurations, are able to operate long and successfully in conditions of high humidity and sudden temperature changes. One of the most common applications for such a profile, the following can be noted:
- frames of light trade pavilions, kiosks and other facilities;
- frames for three-dimensional advertising structures;
- glazing of large areas, decorative design of door and window openings;
- performance of repair and finishing works;
- installation of fencing structures for various purposes.
Glazing using aluminum profile
This property of the anodized aluminum channel and its alloys is very useful, as its ability not to pass electric voltage to 100 volts and does not accumulate static electric charge. Due to this quality, this profile is increasingly used in the glazing of high-rise buildings. Channel, made of aluminum, can be mounted in various designs without the use of welding and soldering, that allows to create with its help easy portable designs (example, seasonal warehouses or exhibition stands).
There are several other areas, in which almost the entire range of aluminum channels is widely used:
- production of light office partitions;
- electrical installation, waterproofing and soundproofing materials;
- production of door and window constructions, as well as their installation;
- creating interiors and decorating exhibition spaces;
- production of equipment for various purposes, home appliances and furniture;
- manufacture of elements, performing protective, docking and guiding functions.
in addition, without U-shaped profile, made of aluminum or its alloys, practically can not do in such industries, as a car, aircraft - and helicopter construction, production of water vessels and various equipment.