Simmal News
April 2010
05/04/2010
Nature Light Ltd Greenhouses
The enthusiastic gardener will exercise fingertip control over the micro-climate in their greenhouse thereby ensuring that plants will thrive from exposure or protection from the elements, on demand. Such control will undoubtedly appeal to the show gardener and keen enthusiast, alike.
Aluminium extrusion frames ensure durable life...
Nature Light Ltd Greenhouses
05/04/2010
Properties of Aluminium
Components made from aluminium extrusions are some of the commonest parts used in the manufacturing industry and can be seen in many day to day applications, from cars to aircraft and office equipment to lighting to name a few. The lightweight, durable and flexible design properties of aluminium extrusions give them a vast range of structural and finishing uses, whether in their naturally bright-unfinished form, powder coated, electroplated or anodised.
Aluminium extrusions can be produced in a vast range of shapes and sizes to suit the requirements of your particular product. A variety of alloys, heat treatment options and tempers are available to meet different functional product specifications. Innovative design will minimise machining and assembly times.
Once extruded, a component can be cut, machined, punched or formed prior to the final surface finishing as required, powder coating is just one.
Aluminium has many advantages over other materials, besides its high strength to weight properties; it does not corrode in the same way as steel and can be recycled in a more efficient manner that is less detrimental to the environment.
When a product that has traditionally been made from steel or plastic is compared over its entire product life cycle also taking into account reduced machining and assembly times, aluminium extrusions will often prove to be the most cost effective and environmentally friendly solution.
After steel aluminium is the most widely used metal.
Examples of the advantages to using Aluminium:
Lightweight
Aluminium is extremely light about 1/3 of that of copper or steel. Excellent for use in the transportation industry, due to its weight, this helps reduce costs.
Excellent Strength
Aluminium has excellent strength to weight ratio making it ideal for use in situations where high strength and low weight are required.
Conducts Heat / Electricity
Aluminium is an excellent electric conductor and is the most popular material for use in power transmission cables. Aluminium is also a good heat conductor and is often used for automobile engine parts and industrial heat exchangers.
Reflects light
Aluminium is highly reflective of light, making it an ideal material for applications such as light fittings.
Corrosion resistance
Aluminium corrosion resistance makes it a good choice of material for use in the construction and buildings industry. It is the natural oxide coating on aluminium that gives its corrosive resistance. Anodising or powder coating can further protect the aluminium, which also provides a decorative finish.
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