Aluminum profiles according to their use

Broadly speaking, we can distinguish three major types of aluminum profiles by their use. We are referring to construction aluminum profiles, architectural aluminum profiles and industrial aluminum profiles. In the following, we will learn more about these major groups.

Aluminum construction profiles

When we enter the field of construction, aluminum profiles offer great rigidity to shear and torsional stresses, although they stand out for their low weight. These are the profiles used in the construction industry to produce structures for working platforms, for stages, for solar panels and, increasingly, for the structures of various types of buildings.

Aluminum profiles in architecture

In the category of architectural profiles we find especially those whose applications require a specific surface finish. These profiles are mainly used for the production of window frames, door frames and curtain walls.

Aluminum profiles for the industry

Finally, in the industrial field, aluminum profiles are used for different types of purposes, especially those in which surface quality or stiffness are not so important. However, a good combination of both is required, together with other specific characteristics of the material, such as conductivity. This provides a very wide diversity of uses in the industry, in its different fields.

Production of aluminum profiles

The most frequently used process for the production of aluminum profiles is known as extrusion. It is what makes it possible to generate profiles that are of uniform section. The method favors the generation of parts at low cost but without sacrificing their quality, favoring their tolerance and good mechanical properties.

What surface treatments can be applied to aluminum profiles?

We have already talked about the treatments that can be applied to aluminum profiles. However, in general terms, we can highlight three main groups of treatments, linked to the surface improvements of the profiles so that they can be easily adapted to the needs of the field at any time and for any particular task.

• Polishing: this creates a smooth and shiny surface through rubbing or chemical action.
• Electrostatic painting: allows thin coatings to be obtained through processes that guarantee a better finish than with conventional liquid paint.
• Anodizing: finally, anodizing is a common coating that increases the thickness of the natural oxide layer on the surface of aluminum, thus obtaining components that not only last longer but also become harder and more resistant to corrosion.

Let's talk about metallic architecture

From the new low-cost houses to the most luxurious architectural designs, aluminum has been used in everything from new low-cost houses to the most luxurious architectural designs. This is especially due to the fact that it is being considered as the most indicated material for structures and facades in the field of architecture. Today, it is a metal that is highly appreciated by everyone, although in the past few people were actually able to access it.

A time when it was worth as much as gold

Did you know that at one point in history aluminum was as precious as gold and silver? It was in the 19th century. Aluminum was a strong symbol of power and wealth, very difficult to extract. Therefore, the nobles used it on a daily basis until new extraction and purification techniques were discovered, making it available to many industries.

Over the last few decades, however, architecture has once again gained vital importance, perhaps more readily available than before, but just as valuable for its features, performance and benefits. Let's take a look at three iconic buildings to understand the functionality of aluminum in the United States, the United Kingdom and Japan.

Selfridges

Selfridges is a building located in Birmingham, United Kingdom, containing Selfridges Department Store, with aluminum and anodized aluminum discs on its entire facade. It is considered a true symbol of the city's regeneration and was designed by the firm Future Systems.

This building has a distinctive design that sets it apart from the rest of the Bullring Shopping Center project. It was built on a large steel structure. In addition, its curved facade is made of concrete and consists of 1500 anodized aluminum discs on a blue background.

Ecoms House

In 2011, the architectural firm Riken Yamamoto in Japan designed the Ecoms House for SUS Corporation. It is located in Tosu City and is a house of contemporary architecture that stands out especially for its low cost and speed of construction.

The house was built based on modules and has a structure made entirely of aluminum. At the same time, its design is linked to the traditional objects of Japanese culture, such as the tatami, which is the inspiration for its facade.

The Ecoms House was built using aluminum precast technology. The space of this house has three floor levels with a bathroom, two bedrooms, a kitchen, a storage room and a work area.

Geisel Library

The Geisel Library was designed in 1970 for the University of California. The building stands out especially for its large glass windows clad entirely in anodized aluminum that creates an effect of levitation to the eye.

It features a huge concrete structure with 38,000 square feet of glass that sits on top of it and plays with a sense of weight and lightness, generating in those who observe it the illusion that it is a building capable of rising from the earth without actually needing its support.

It should also be noted that, since it is a library, the entry of natural light is important to favor the reading of its visitors. To achieve this, huge glass panels were incorporated to fulfill this objective, filling the spaces with light without the need for large sources of electrical energy, thus saving money and the environment.