Few innovations have had such a profound impact on our society as aluminum extrusions. Widely adopted among multiple industries for their beneficial properties, aluminum extrusions have become commonplace in our everyday lives—even if we don’t quite realize it. To show how extrusions have benefited our society, we discuss some of the most common uses for aluminum extrusions.
Transportation Applications
Aluminum extrusions have been veritably revolutionary for the automobile industry. Because aluminum extrusions offer the strength of steel with only a third of the weight, aluminum quickly found itself as the material of choice for vehicle chassis. Aluminum extrusions significantly reduce the weight of modern vehicles, improving their gas mileage and making them far easier to handle on the road.
In a more logistical sense, transporting aluminum goods is also preferable to other metals for the same reasons. It cuts down on costs because the trucks transporting the aluminum don’t have to compensate for nearly as much weight.
Construction Applications
Perhaps the most common uses for aluminum extrusions are in construction for practical and aesthetic applications. Aluminum extrusions make for competent building materials and have the unique property of being incredible at enduring intense temperatures. In fact, aluminum extrusions actually get stronger in cold conditions.
Aesthetically, aluminum extrusions make a building look very sleek and modern. From handrails to design flourishes, these extrusions take many forms. So you’ve most likely seen or interacted with them in your daily life.
Industrial Applications
An important use for aluminum extrusions is to improve safety in industrial facilities. Lots of heavy machines come with innate hazards that are impossible to eliminate entirely. Aluminum extrusions can help create and improve machine guards so that workers don’t get limbs, clothes, or other equipment stuck in the machine, potentially injuring someone and damaging the equipment.
Home Décor Applications
Aluminum extrusions are even in your home! Picture frames, artwork, and even furniture can contain aluminum extrusions. Typically, they serve to produce that sleek and modern appearance that people like. Aluminum makes for attractive home décor and helps make furniture easier to move around as you please.