Aluminium angle, also known as aluminium L-shaped profile, or even right-angle aluminium profile, has gained significant importance in various industries and applications due to its unique set of physical properties.
This article aims to shed light on the importance of aluminium angle as versatile structural components and their contribution to modern construction, engineering, and manufacturing processes and the benefits they provide.
Benefits of Aluminium Angle Profiles
Strength and Durability:
- Aluminium angle displays exceptional strength-to-weight ratios, making it highly valuable as structural component.
- Aluminium Angle Profiles possess impressive load-bearing capabilities, allowing them to withstand heavy loads and resist deformation, even under stressful conditions.
- They are often used as aluminium profile angle brackets.
- The inherent durability of aluminium angle ensures long-term performance and reliability in a wide range of applications. For the same reason, angle bracket for aluminium profile is used for joining two parts.
Corrosion Resistance:
- One of the primary advantages of aluminium angle is its excellent corrosion resistance.
- Unlike other metals such as iron or steel, aluminium does not rust when exposed to moisture or atmospheric conditions.
- Rust resistance property of aluminium angles ideal for outdoor applications in the form of aluminium window profiles where they are exposed to harsh environments, such as coastal areas or industrial settings.
Lightweight and Cost-Effective:
- Aluminium extrusion profiles offer an attractive lightweight alternative to traditional structural materials, including steel.
- Lightweight nature of Aluminium extrusion profiles not only simplifies handling and installation but also reduces transportation costs and overall structural weight.
- Low density of aluminium angles makes them energy-efficient, contributing to reduced fuel consumption and environmental impact.
Versatility and Flexibility:
- Aluminium angle comes in a wide range of sizes, thicknesses, and profiles, offering versatility in design and construction. Whether it's for residential, commercial, or industrial purposes, aluminium angle can be easily fabricated, cut, and shaped to meet specific project requirements.
- Their flexibility allows for customized solutions, expanding the design possibilities while maintaining structural integrity.
Thermal Conductivity:
- Aluminium is an excellent thermal conductor, which enhances its importance in various applications. Aluminium angles efficiently dissipate heat, making them suitable for heat transfer components, heat sinks, or framing structures where temperature control is crucial.
- This property contributes to improved energy efficiency, heat management, and overall system performance.
Aesthetic Appeal
- In addition to their functional advantages, aluminium angle also offers aesthetic benefits. The sleek and modern appearance of these profiles add an appealing touch to architectural applications.
- The availability of various surface finishes, such as anodized or powder-coated options, provides design flexibility and the ability to integrate aluminium angle seamlessly into any project. It is for this reason that angle profiles are very commonly used for aluminium window profiles and aluminium glazing profiles.
Points of Difference between Stainless Steel Angles and Aluminium angle
Whilst steel angles and aluminium angle are widely used in various industries and construction projects due to their structural versatility, there are several points of difference between these two materials that make them suitable for different applications. Understanding these differences is crucial for selecting the most appropriate material for a specific project.
Stainless Steel Angles Vs. Aluminium angle: A Comparison
Strength and Rigidity
One of the key differences between steel angles and aluminium angle is their strength and rigidity. Steel angles are typically stronger and stiffer than aluminium angle. Steel, being an alloy composed primarily of iron and carbon, provides exceptional structural support and can withstand heavy loads and impacts. This makes steel angles suitable for applications that require high strength and durability, such as construction of buildings, bridges, and machinery.
On the other hand, aluminium angles are less rigid and have a lower strength-to-weight ratio compared to steel angles. Although aluminium is generally weaker than steel, it offers several advantages such as lightweight properties and excellent corrosion resistance. These characteristics make aluminium angle ideal for applications that require lighter weight but still need reasonable strength, such as aluminium window profiles, framework in light structures and transportation industry components.
Weight and Density
Weight is another significant point of difference between steel angles and aluminium angle. Aluminium is a lightweight material, weighing about one-third of steel. This makes aluminium angle easier to handle, transport, and install compared to steel angles. The lighter weight also contributes to reduced overall material costs in construction projects, as less structural support may be required.
On the contrary, steel angles are heavier and denser, which limits their use in certain applications where weight is a critical consideration, such as aerospace and automotive industries. However, the density of steel angles also provides an advantage as it helps to absorb vibrations and reduce noise, making it suitable for certain commercial and industrial settings.
Corrosion Resistance
Corrosion resistance is another crucial aspect when considering the choice between steel angles and aluminium angle. Aluminium has a natural oxide layer that forms on its surface, providing excellent corrosion resistance. This makes aluminium angle highly resistant to rust and ideal for outdoor applications and environments with high humidity or exposure to moisture. Industries such as marine construction, transportation, and outdoor signage often prefer aluminium angle due to their robust corrosion resistance.
Corrosion resistance is another crucial aspect when considering the choice between steel angles and aluminium angle. Aluminium has a natural oxide layer that forms on its surface, providing excellent corrosion resistance. This makes aluminium angle highly resistant to rust and ideal for outdoor applications and environments with high humidity or exposure to moisture. Industries such as marine construction, transportation, and outdoor signage often prefer aluminium angle due to their robust corrosion resistance.
Steel angles, on the other hand, are susceptible to corrosion, especially when exposed to moisture and oxygen. However, proper coating and galvanization processes can enhance the corrosion resistance of steel angles, making them suitable for applications requiring added protection against rust and weathering. Industries such as heavy construction, infrastructure, and industrial manufacturing often opt for steel angles when strength and durability are the primary considerations.
Common Grades of Aluminium Profiles UK :
The vast majority of orders in the UK for Aluminium Angle or indeed most common profile types are in grades 6063T6 and 6082T6.
6063T6 – Aluminium Angle
Aluminium Alloy 6063 is of medium strength and has more of an architectural use. It is for this reason that smaller or thinner profiles are commonly produced in this grade. It is very suitable for anodising, can be easily welded and has a good surface finish.
Common uses of 6063T6:
Shop fittings
Glazing Profiles
Architectural applications
Window frames
Properties of 6063T6:
| Proof Stress |
|
|
| 215 Min MPa | 215 Min MPa | |
| Shear Strength |
150 MPa |
|
| Elongation |
8 Min % |
|
| Density | 2.70 g/cm³ | |
| Melting Point | 655 °C | |
| Thermal Expansion | 23.5 x10^-6 /K | |
| Modulus of Elasticity | 69.5 GPa | |
| Thermal Conductivity | 201 W/m.K | |
| Electrical Resistivity | 0.033 x10^-6 Ω .m | |
| Machinability | Good | |
| Workability - Cold | Average | |
| Weldability - Gas | Good | |
| Weldability - Arc | Very good | |
| Weldability - Resistance | Good | |
| Brazeability | Very good |
6082T6 – Aluminium Angle
Aluminium Alloy 6082 has a higher tensile strength than 6063 and is known as a structural alloy. It is often the grade of choice for larger and thicker profiles. It has good machining properties. The surface, whilst still good, is not quite as smooth as the 6063T6 grade.
Common uses of 6082T6:
Transport sections
Trusses
Bridges
Highly stressed components
Properties of 6082T6:
Transport sections
Trusses
Bridges
Highly stressed components
Properties of 6082T6:
| Proof Stress | 170 Min MPa |
| Tensile Strength | 260 MPa |
| Shear Strength | 220 MPa |
| Elongation | 0.19 |
| Density | 2.70 g/cm³ |
| Melting Point | 555 °C |
| Thermal Expansion | 24 x10^-6 /K |
| Modulus of Elasticity | 70 GPa |
| Thermal Conductivity | 180 W/m.K |
| Electrical Resistivity | 0.038 x10^-6 Ω .m |
| Machinability | Good |
| Workability - Cold | Good |
| Weldability - Gas | Good |
| Weldability - Arc | Good |
| Weldability - Resistance | Good |
| Brazeability | Good |
Aluminium Angle Material Characteristics and Types
Aluminium’s exceptional strength makes it an excellent choice for fabricating angles. Additionally, it has the following characteristics.
- Outstanding weldability
- Moderate forming and bending capability
- Mild machine and grinding capability
- Moderate corrosion and wear resistance
