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What Are The Different Types of Aluminum Profile?

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An aluminum profile is a shaped extrusion used to build frames, windows and doors, curtain walls, channels, angles, tubes and custom components. The main types include T‑slot frames, U/C channels, angles, tubes, window/door sections, curtain‑wall mullions, heat sinks, and bespoke custom extrusions.

  • T‑slot structural frames

  • U/C channels and trims

  • L‑angle and unequal angle

  • Square/round tubes and hollow sections

  • Window and door sections (thermal break and non‑thermal)

  • Curtain‑wall mullions and transoms

  • Heat sink profiles (high fin density, skived fin)

  • Custom aluminum extrusion profiles for unique geometries

Use case Typical section Alloy/temper (typical) Common finishes
Machine frames, guarding T‑slot structural profile 6xxx, T5/T6 Anodized, powder coated
Windows and doors Window/door frame & sash 6xxx, T5/T6 Anodized, powder coated
Façades Mullions, transoms 6xxx, structural tempers PVDF, high‑grade powder
Panels and trims U/C channel, cover edge 6xxx, T5 Anodized, powder coated
Corners & bracing L‑angle, unequal angle 6xxx, T5 Anodized
Lightweight stiffness Square/round tubes 6xxx, T5 Anodized, powder coated
Thermal management Heat sink profiles 6xxx with high conductivity As‑extruded, black anodized

If you’ve opened a sleek aluminum‑framed door, looked up at a glass façade, or seen a modular machine frame, you’ve already met an Aluminium Profile. In everyday terms, it’s a shaped strip of aluminum made by pushing a heated billet through a die—simple to cut and join, light but strong, corrosion‑resistant, and easy to finish in many colors. This guide explains what is aluminum profile, breaks down the main types of aluminum extrusion profiles you’ll actually use, shows where each shines, and helps you pick aluminum profile sizes and finishes with confidence. You’ll also see how an end‑to‑end manufacturer like Fenglu turns drawings into durable extruded aluminum profiles for buildings and industry.


What is aluminum profile

Definition and overview: what is aluminum profile, how it’s made, and where it’s used

What is aluminum profile in plain language
An Aluminium Profile is a shaped piece of aluminum produced by extrusion. The metal is heated and forced through a hardened steel die with the desired cross‑section—like a channel, a tube, or a complex window frame. Because the die defines the shape, extruded aluminum profiles can include slots, chambers, screw bosses, and other functional details that reduce assembly time and part count.

How extruded aluminum profiles are made (the short version)

  • Alloy control: High‑quality A00 aluminum ingots are melted and cast into billets, with chemistry verified by direct‑reading spectrometers to recognized standards.

  • Extrusion: The billet is heated and pushed through a die using an extrusion press. Fenglu operates more than 100 extrusion lines, including large presses (20,000T/12,500T/10,000T) that can form complex, large cross‑sections up to about 480 mm.

  • Quenching and aging: Air, fog, or water quenching locks in properties; aging furnaces bring the profile to the target temper (for example T5 or T6).

  • Finishing: Options include anodizing, electrophoretic coating, powder coating, and PVDF (fluorocarbon) for high‑UV environments.

  • Fabrication: Cut‑to‑length, drilling, milling, stamping, welding, and polishing prepare parts for installation or assembly.

Where aluminium section types show up in real life

  • Buildings: aluminum window extrusion profiles, doors, curtain walls, roller shutters, louvers, ceilings, trims, and partitions.

  • Industry: T‑slot frames, machine guarding, conveyor frames, enclosures, electronics housings, and heat sinks.

  • Specialty: furniture, marine trims, transport interiors, and custom shapes for unique brand aesthetics.




A practical taxonomy of types of aluminum extrusion profiles

The phrase types of aluminum extrusion profiles can feel broad. Here’s a simple taxonomy grounded in common projects and popular searches, covering aluminium section types and aluminium channel types without jargon.

T‑slot structural profiles (modular frames)

  • What they are: Profiles with longitudinal T‑shaped slots that accept standard nuts and connectors anywhere along the length.

  • Uses: Machine bases, safety guarding, test rigs, carts, and workstations.

  • Why choose: Build and reconfigure without welding; excellent for lean layouts and rapid prototyping.

  • Helpful long‑tail: T‑slot aluminum profiles guide; heavy‑duty extruded aluminum profiles for machinery.


U and C channels (aluminium channel types)

  • What they are: Open U or C sections for panel edges, tracks, cable ways, and trims.

  • Uses: Signage frames, sliding door tracks, wall panel edging, and ceiling trims.

  • Why choose: Simple, versatile, and budget‑friendly ways to stiffen and finish edges.

  • Helpful long‑tail: U channel vs C channel aluminum differences.


L‑angle and unequal angle profiles

  • What they are: L‑shaped sections, with equal or unequal legs.

  • Uses: Corner protection, brackets, cabinets, shelf supports, and light bracing.

  • Why choose: Clean corners and easy reinforcement with minimal material.


Square, rectangular, and round tubes (hollow sections)

  • What they are: Closed shapes offering great stiffness for their weight.

  • Uses: Frames, railings, handrails, furniture, and fixtures.

  • Why choose: Efficient use of material; easy to cut, drill, and join.


Aluminum window extrusion profiles (fenestration)

  • What they are: Interlocking frame, sash, mullion, and accessory sections. Many include a thermal break for energy savings and comfort.

  • Uses: Residential and commercial windows and doors (casement, sliding, folding, tilt‑and‑turn, storefront systems).

  • Why choose: Tight tolerances, weather sealing, drainage paths, and code‑compliant thermal performance.


Curtain‑wall and façade sections

  • What they are: Mullions, transoms, pressure plates, and snap‑on covers used to support and seal large glass panels.

  • Uses: High‑rise façades, atriums, skylights, and canopies.

  • Why choose: Strong, slim lines with finishes tuned to UV and weather (PVDF, high‑spec powder, or anodizing).


Heat sink profiles

  • What they are: Extrusions with fins to increase surface area and dissipate heat.

  • Uses: LED lighting, drives, power supplies, server hardware, and industrial controls.

  • Why choose: Tailored fin spacing and height; options such as high fin density and skived fin designs for motors and electronics.


Custom aluminum extrusion profiles

  • What they are: Shapes created from your drawing to combine features like wireways, snap‑fits, bosses, ribs, and mounting slots into one part.

  • Uses: Specialty machinery, marine/transport interiors, tailored trims, and components requiring unique aesthetics or performance.

  • Why choose: Reduce part count, speed assembly, and improve consistency, often lowering total cost.


Construction use cases: where Construction Aluminium Profiles excel

If you build storefronts, apartments, airports, or hotels, your shortlist likely includes Construction Aluminium Profiles designed to balance strength, thermal performance, and installation speed. Browse examples and ideas on the dedicated product page for Construction Aluminium Profiles:

Window and door systems

  • Components: Frames, sashes, interlocks, mullions, thresholds, glazing beads, and screens.

  • Thermal options: Thermal‑break versions add insulating strips to cut heat transfer and control condensation.

  • Finishes: Anodized for metallic aesthetics; powder coat for color and durability; PVDF for extreme UV and coastal buildings.


Curtain walls, skylights, and glass canopies

  • Components: Vertical mullions, horizontal transoms, pressure plates, and decorative covers.

  • Performance: Engineered for wind loads, drainage, and thermal expansion. Long spans with slim sightlines.


Roller shutters and louvers

  • Shutter slats and side guides: Help manage light and privacy in residential and commercial spaces.

  • Louvers: Promote airflow while shading façades; often powder coated or PVDF finished for outdoor durability.


Ceilings, cover edges, and trims

  • Interior finishes: Ceiling grids, reveal trims, and edge profiles refine the look of interiors and conceal fixtures.

Partitions and exhibition systems

  • Quick setup: Extruded profiles accept panels for fast assembly and reconfiguration—great for showrooms and trade fairs.


Examples you can source through Fenglu

  • Aluminium Window And Door Profiles

  • Aluminium Roller Shutter Profiles

  • Aluminium Ceiling and Aluminium Cover Edge

  • Marine Architectural Aluminium Profile for Door And Window

  • Custom Extruded Aluminium Partition Profile for Exhibition Stands

  • Aluminium Door Plate

  • Curtain‑wall and mullion/transom systems within construction aluminium profiles


Industrial and custom applications: build faster, lighter, and smarter

For factories and labs, speed and flexibility matter. Extruded aluminum profiles dominate frames, guards, enclosures, and workstations because they assemble quickly and reconfigure easily. When a catalog part won’t do, custom aluminum extrusion profiles blend multiple functions into one clean design.

Industrial go‑tos

  • T‑slot frames: Build machine bases, enclosures, carts, and benches without welding. Accessories slide into slots, making mounting quick and repeatable.

  • Conveyors and automation structures: Channels and rails with pre‑drilled patterns save assembly time and keep production lines tidy.

  • Electronics and thermal: Aluminium High Fin Density Heat Sink and electric powder‑coating‑ready heat sinks for motors offer smart thermal performance with stable finishes.

  • Assembly line structures: Custom Structural Aluminum Profile For Assembly Line combines stiffness with clean routing for cables and pneumatics.


When and why to choose custom

  • Combine features: Replace multi‑piece assemblies with one extrusion that integrates mounting, cable routing, and covers.

  • Improve assembly: Add snap‑fits, screw bosses, alignment edges, and datum faces to simplify build steps.

  • Optimize performance: Add ribs where stiffness matters and shave weight where it doesn’t; tune wall thickness for load paths.

  • Real‑world examples: Electric Powder Coating Aluminum Skived Fin Heat Sinks for Motor; Aluminium Structural Profile for modular frames and gantries.


Aluminum profile sizes, alloys, and finishes: how to choose without overbuilding

Aluminum profile sizes should follow the loads, spans, and environment—not guesswork. Here’s a quick selection playbook:

Cross‑section envelope and length

  • Size capability: With large presses, cross‑sections up to roughly 480 mm are achievable; single‑piece lengths can reach up to about 40 m with specialized handling.

  • Practical shipping lengths: 6–7.5 m lengths are common for building sites and easier logistics.


Alloys and tempers at a glance

  • 6xxx series: The everyday choice for excellent extrudability, corrosion resistance, and strength; tempers like T5 and T6 are common for frames and façades.

  • 1xxx to 7xxx: From pure aluminum to high‑strength aerospace grades, available when design needs dictate specialty properties.

  • Heat treatment: T1–T9 states supported, matched to your strength and formability goals.


Picking among aluminium channel types, angles, tubes, and T‑slots

  • Channels (U/C): Choose depth for stiffness and lip geometry to hold panels securely; rounded inside corners can help powder flow.

  • Angles: Equal angles for neat corners; unequal angles for wall‑to‑panel fixes where one leg bears more load.

  • Tubes: Square and rectangular hollows resist bending in two directions, great for frames; round tubes suit variable load directions.

  • T‑slot: Select slot size (6/8/10 mm families) to match connector hardware and expected loads. Step up to heavier series for long spans or heavy machines.


Finish selection made simple

  • Anodized aluminum profiles: Durable metallic layer; ideal for interiors and many exteriors; consistent tone and corrosion resistance.

  • Powder coated aluminum: Wide color choice and robust durability; a favorite for storefronts and public spaces.

  • PVDF (fluorocarbon): Top‑tier UV and weather resistance; the go‑to for high‑rise and coastal curtain walls.

  • Electrophoretic coating: Ultra‑uniform film and precise color; often used with intricate shapes or paired with anodizing.


Common mistakes to avoid

  • Skipping thermal breaks on exterior windows/doors in harsh climates.

  • Using light‑duty T‑slots for heavy equipment without checking deflection.

  • Choosing powder coating for ultra‑fine fins that need airflow (consider black anodizing for heat sinks).

  • Underestimating wind load deflection on tall mullions or wide spans.


Comparisons and decision tables for faster selection

Application‑to‑section quick picks

  • Need modular frames for machines? T‑slot structural extrusions; mid‑ to heavy‑duty series; anodized or powder coated.

  • Need clean panel edges or tracks? U/C channels; pick depth for stiffness; powder coat to match interiors.

  • Need glass façades with lasting color? Curtain‑wall mullions and transoms; PVDF or premium powder; design for wind loads.

  • Need weather‑tight windows/doors? Aluminum window extrusion profiles with thermal breaks; powder coat or anodize.

  • Need efficient cooling? High fin density heat sink profiles; consider black anodizing for better emissivity.

Table: application vs section vs finish vs watch‑outs

Application Typical section Recommended finishes Advantages Watch‑outs
Residential windows/doors Thermal‑break frames, sashes, mullions Anodized or powder coated Energy efficient, clean lines Avoid non‑thermal in cold climates
Commercial curtain walls Mullions, transoms, pressure plates PVDF, Qualicoat‑grade powder UV stability, long service life Wind deflection under‑estimation
Factory frames & guards T‑slot profiles (various slot sizes) Anodized, powder coated Reconfigurable, fast assembly Overloading light‑duty slots
Electronics cooling High fin density heat sinks Black anodized, as‑extruded Efficient heat dissipation Powder thickness in tight fins
Interior panels/trims U/C channels, cover edges Powder coated, anodized Neat edges, color match Insufficient stiffness on wide panels

Finish comparison cheat sheet

Finish Appearance Weather/UV Maintenance Best for Standards
Anodized Metallic satin to matte Very good Low Windows, interiors, light coastal GB5237.5 equivalents
Powder coated Broad colors & textures Very good to excellent Low Storefronts, public buildings Qualicoat, AAMA 2604–2605 (premium)
PVDF (fluorocarbon) Architectural‑grade metallic/solid Outstanding Low–medium High‑rise, coastal, curtain wall AAMA 2605
Electrophoretic Very uniform tone Good–very good Low Intricate shapes, uniform color GB and maker specs

Production capabilities and quality assurance you can rely on (Fenglu)

Fenglu (Foshan Sanshui Fenglu Aluminum Co., LTD.) was founded in 1990 and focuses on R&D, production, and sales of aluminum alloy extrusions. Over three decades, the company has grown into a global supplier with robust in‑house capabilities, national‑level certifications, and experience across both construction and industrial markets.

Casting and alloy control

  • 15 aluminum ingot casting lines with advanced furnaces, homogenizing systems, and PSA nitrogen generators.

  • Purification via gas removal and multi‑stage ceramic filtration; Al‑Ti‑B modification to improve billet plasticity and reduce residual stress.

  • Direct‑reading spectrometers verify chemistry to AA, ALCON, ALCAN, or customer‑specific standards.

  • Alloys from 1xxx to 7xxx with billet diameters such as Ø320, Ø278, Ø230, Ø165, Ø135, Ø124, Ø115, Ø100, Ø85 for die and size flexibility.


Extrusion presses, lengths, and sections

  • More than 100 extrusion lines at 20,000T, 12,500T, 10,000T, 7,500T, 5,500T, 4,000T, and 2,500T.

  • Quenching options: air, fog, water; offline vertical quenching for large or quench‑sensitive sections.

  • Single‑piece extrusions up to about 40 m; cross‑sections up to roughly 480 mm.

  • Online inspection and isokinetic traction ensure stable extrusion speeds and consistent surfaces.

  • 12 aging furnaces support high throughput and reliable T1–T9 tempers.


Surface finishing lines

  • Anodizing and electrophoretic coating: automated vertical line (~6,000 t/month) plus horizontal lines for profiles up to ~13.5 m; online film thickness measurement, automatic color matching, and tank liquid replenishment.

  • Electrostatic powder coating: a vertical line and 18 horizontal lines with fast color changes and high powder recovery; curing ovens with tight temperature control (Δ ≤ ±2.5°C).

  • Fluorocarbon (PVDF) finishing: fully automatic air‑spray electrostatic lines; paints from recognized systems suited to harsh environments.


Fabrication and deep processing

  • Sawing (±0.3 mm depending on length), angle cuts, drilling, milling, tapping, stamping (80T/40T/30T), argon arc welding, brushing, grinding, and polishing.

  • Integrated surface finishing options to hit the look and durability you need.

  • Digital batch records ensure traceability from billet to finished product.


Standards, labs, and recognition

  • National Enterprise Technology Center and National Accredited Laboratory.

  • Compliance with GB5237.5‑2004, AAMA 2605‑05, and Qualicoat for architectural finishes.

  • Over 900 patents; active cooperation with leading universities and research institutes in materials and processing.


Projects and real‑world applications

Fenglu Aluminium Profiles are used worldwide in airports, commercial towers, financial centers, and civic landmarks. Representative project experience includes:

  • Airports: Wuhan Tianhe Airport; Baiyun Airport.

  • Landmark towers: Shanghai Jinmao Building; Hangzhou New World Fortune Center.

  • Cultural/civic: G20 Summit Venue Hangzhou Silk Museum; Hong Kong Drama Center; Guangzhou Higher Education Mega Center.

  • Finance and corporate: Mashreq Bank Headquarters (Dubai); Wuhan Rural Commercial Bank; Tianjin Finance and Trade Center.

  • Hospitality and residential: Governor Hotel Dubai; Spain Haiyi Hotel; Hainan International Financial Center; multiple high‑end residential developments.

  • Sports/events: The New Town of the Asian Games; Asian Games 2010 Bicycle Gymnasium Center.

These references cover everything from aluminum window extrusion profiles and curtain‑wall systems to structural frames, trims, and heat sinks—showcasing the breadth of design, finishing, and fabrication supported by one source.


How to request a quote or sample (no prices listed)

Move from research to action in a few simple steps:

  • Share your drawing and requirements: Send a DXF/STEP or sketch with the intended use, loads/spans, and aluminum profile sizes (cross‑section and length).

  • Specify alloy/temper and finish: If unsure, state the environment (indoor/outdoor/coastal) and performance goals; engineering will recommend an alloy/temper and surface finish.

  • Confirm standards: If your project requires AAMA, Qualicoat, or GB compliance, note it up front.

  • Ask about deep processing: Cut‑to‑length, drilling, milling, stamping, welding, brushing, and polishing can be included.

  • Validate with samples: Get a short run to test fit, finish, and function before ramping to volume.

  • Explore building‑focused solutions: Construction Aluminium Profiles catalog page (windows/doors, curtain walls, trims).

  • Contact:

    • Mobile Phone: +86-13928661318

    • Phone: +86-757-85571632 / 85518832

    • Fax: +86-757-85571632 / 85518832

    • Email: export@fenglu‑alu.com


FAQs

Q1: What is aluminum profile and how is it different from standard metal sections?
A1: Aluminum profile—also written as Aluminium Profile—is a shaped extrusion created by pushing heated aluminum through a die, forming channels, tubes, angles, window/door sections, and more. Unlike rolled steel shapes, extruded aluminum profiles can integrate slots, chambers, and bosses for fast assembly. They’re lightweight, corrosion‑resistant, easy to cut and drill, and available with finishes like anodizing, powder coating, PVDF, and electrophoretic coating.


Q2: What are the main types of aluminum extrusion profiles I should know?
A2: The most practical families are T‑slot structural profiles (for modular frames), U and C channels (aluminium channel types for edges and tracks), L‑angles (equal/unequal) for bracing, square/round tubes for lightweight stiffness, aluminum window extrusion profiles for fenestration, curtain‑wall mullions and transoms for façades, heat sink profiles for electronics cooling, and custom aluminum extrusion profiles when you need an integrated one‑piece solution tailored to your drawing.


Q3: How do I choose aluminum profile sizes without overbuilding?
A3: Match the size to loads and spans. For frames, move to a larger T‑slot family for heavy equipment or long bays. For channels, deeper sections reduce bending. For tubes, rectangular hollows resist directional loads best. In façades, size mullions/transoms to wind loads and glass panel size. If unsure, share your drawing and expected loads; engineering can recommend the lightest section that meets deflection and safety targets.


Q4: Which finish is best—anodized, powder coated, PVDF, or electrophoretic?
A4: Anodized aluminum profiles offer a durable metallic look and solid corrosion resistance—great for interiors and many exteriors. Powder coating adds color choice with tough durability for storefronts and public spaces. PVDF (fluorocarbon) delivers the highest UV stability for curtain walls and coastal projects. Electrophoretic coatings create very uniform films, often preferred for intricate shapes or when color consistency is critical.


Q5: When should I use custom aluminum extrusion profiles instead of catalog parts?
A5: Choose custom when you want to integrate multiple features—wireways, snap‑fits, bosses, alignment edges—into one profile, reducing part count and assembly time. It’s also the path for brand‑specific trims or unusual performance goals. The process is simple: submit a drawing and requirements, review the die proposal, sample, validate, and scale. End‑to‑end manufacturers can add fabrication (cutting, drilling, milling, welding) and finishing under one roof.


Q6: Are thermal break profiles necessary for all windows and doors?
A6: Not always. For interior partitions or mild climates, non‑thermal profiles may be sufficient. For exterior windows/doors in most climates—especially hot or cold—thermal break profiles with insulating strips reduce heat transfer and condensation, improve comfort, and help meet energy codes. Specify systems designed as complete aluminum window extrusion profiles with drainage paths, seals, and hardware compatibility.


Q7: What standards and quality checks should I ask suppliers to meet?
A7: For architectural work, look for compliance with GB5237.5‑2004, Qualicoat (powder coating), and AAMA 2605 (premium architectural coatings). For industrial uses, confirm alloy/temper certifications and, if needed, mechanical property test data. Responsible suppliers use direct‑reading spectrometers for billet chemistry, automated film‑thickness control for anodizing/electrophoresis, and maintain digital batch traceability to ensure consistency.


The simplest way to pick the right Aluminium Profile is to match the job to a family—T‑slot, channel, angle, tube, window/door, curtain wall, heat sink, or custom—then size it for loads and spans and choose a finish suited to the environment. With integrated casting, extrusion, heat treatment, finishing, and CNC fabrication, Fenglu helps you move from drawing to dependable production fast—whether you’re sourcing Construction Aluminium Profiles for a new façade or specifying industrial frames for a new line.

Our product line includes architectural aluminum profiles, industrial aluminum profiles, aluminum windows & doors, aluminum cabinets & furniture, as well as specialty...

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