Aluminum Channel Supplier

Introduction

The content of this article explains the use and types of aluminum channels.

You will learn more about topics such as:

• What is an Aluminum Channel
• How Aluminum Channels are Made
• Types of Aluminum Channels
• Aluminum Channel Finishes

Chapter One – What is an Aluminum Channel?

An Aluminum Channel is a structurally sound metal component that is made by the extrusion process to produce shapes, forms, and designs for a wide variety of applications. The major benefit of Aluminum Channel is their weight, which is one third the weight of steel without sacrificing durability and reliability. Aluminum Channel have inside radius corners that give them their channel shape.

There are an endless number of ways that Aluminum Channels can be used, especially where corrosion resistance and lightweight materials are needed. They are commonly found in store mounting fixtures, framing to protect edges and faces, LED light applications, and framing for truck beds. There are two alloy grades of aluminum that are used for Aluminum Channels, which are 6061 and 6063.

Chapter Two – Types of Aluminum Channels

Several types of Aluminum Channels are available that can be cut to any size to fit the needs of a variety of applications and come in thicknesses from 0.01 inch to as high as 5 inches. The versatility and adaptability of Aluminum Channels are why they are so widely used in construction projects.

Aluminum Channels are the best choice for applications that require strength with the extra benefit of corrosion resistance. Since they can be configured, shaped, and adapted to fit any application, they are one of the most commonly used construction materials.

Aluminum Channels
Angle Aluminum Channel

Angle Aluminum Channels form a right angle and are the least complex but most cost effective form of Aluminum Channels. They are an extruded shape made from a variety of aluminum alloys. Aluminum angle channels have several uses but are widely used as trim and finishing. They can have several types of finishes to enhance their visual appeal.

Aluminum Angle Channels can be found on the edge of roofs, handrails, and the corners of buildings. Due to aluminum’s corrosion resistance and its ability to withstand harsh weather, angle Aluminum Channels are used to seal corners of buildings as a means of protection.

The right angle corner of angle trim can be squared to form a sharp right angle or round to form a smooth angle, as seen in the image below. The legs of the right angle on angle channels can have varying lengths ranging from 1//8 inch up to 4 inches.

C Shape Channels

The shape of all C channels is mostly the same. There are variations in the types of interior and exterior corners and flanges. The three basic types of C channels are Aluminum Association, American Standard, and Canadian. C channels for the Aluminum Association are thicker with rounded corners on the inside. With American Standard C channels, the rounded corners have flanges that progressively get thinner toward the top.

Another version of C channels has the initial U shape with a web and flanges. Additionally, the tops of the flanges are bent inward, leaving a space between them to place a nut channel. As with U channels, C channels have a variety of web widths and flange lengths that can be seen in the images below.

C channels can be used to protect the edges of millwork, be an addition to wood panels, used as store fixtures, and framing. In many cases, C channels are used as an aesthetic addition to a project to give the project a sophisticated appeal.

H Shape Aluminum Channels

The many varieties of H aluminum channels are used for decorative and structural purposes. They are a very stable channel that makes them ideal for use for railings, trim, and door frames. H aluminum channels come with several types of finishes, which adds to their adaptability as a decorative and aesthetic touch.

Aside from their use for appearances, H aluminum channels can be used for structural purposes because of their stability, durability, and design. They come in different widths, wall thickness, and design features such as battens to enhance their hold.

H aluminum channels are available in a lower case h shape and the upper case H. Lowercase h channels are used to stretch a ceiling system by being attached to the perimeter of a room.

Hat Shape Channels

Furring is a construction method used to level walls and ceilings with furring channels. A hat channel has a hat shaped profile with two horizontal flanges that are used for the furring process to fur out walls, masonry walls, or ceilings. They are a corrosion resistant framing component with exceptional durability and resilience that completes the furring process. Hat channels have a high strength to weight ratio and are an affordable structural component.

Hat channels and Z channels are used to level uneven walls and ceilings since they have the added benefit of providing protection for interior and exterior framing from fire, moisture, and corrosion. Aside from their protective characteristics, hat channels assist in keeping buildings structurally sound by preventing unevenness in walls and ceilings.

J Shape Channel

J aluminum channels are a vital part of vinyl siding projects and are used to mount siding on corners. They are necessary for every corner of a house where siding meets the ground, roof, and openings. J channels provide an airtight barrier against ambient weather conditions and are easy to install since they require minimal tools, which creates a cost savings in labor and materials.

The various uses of J aluminum channels have increased since its introduction in the 1950s. The J shape of J aluminum channels is due to the 90o bend on one side of its framing profiles.

T Slot Aluminum Channels

T slot aluminum channels have one or more T shaped slots where T shaped attachments can fit and be able to slide up and down. The use of T slot channels allows for the creation of complex configurations without the need for clamming or welding. T slot channels assist in eliminating the costs of riveting and welding since they can be easily connected using mounting bolts.

As with all aluminum channels, T slot channels have excellent durability with the ability to be removed, changed, and reconfigured, which is not possible with permanently welded metals.

U Shaped Aluminum Channels

U shaped aluminum channels are one of the most common forms. The wall thicknesses of U shaped channels vary according to how they will be used, with thicknesses ranging from 1/16 inch up to 1/4 inch. A U shaped channel is defined by its web and flanges or its bottom and sides. Both parts of a U shaped channel can be of different dimensions, such as a short web with long flanges or a wide web with short flanges, as seen in the diagram below.

Z Shape Aluminum Channels

In Z shaped aluminum channels, the legs or flanges extend in opposite directions from the web to create the Z profile. They are used for metal roofing or for wood roofing in unique or unusual situations. Z channels act as receivers for panels, ridge caps, and headwall flashing and prevent leaks due to their directional installation. They are used as replacements for J channels because they are a little smaller than the width of panels.

There are numerous varieties of Z channels, with some being referred to as clips while others are bars. Clips have a very small web, while bar Z channels have the typical Z profile.

Summary of Types of Aluminum Channels

The ten basic Aluminum Channels described here are only a sampling of the many Aluminum Channels that are available. Each year new and unique shapes are being discovered that are increasing the use of this highly durable and useful product.

Chapter Three- Top Selling Equipment for Aluminum Channels

As a form of aluminum extrusions, there are no lists, or information, found solely discussing the best equipment or machines used specifically for producing aluminum channels. As a result, we discuss many of the top brands of machines available in the United States and Canada to produce aluminum extrusions below.

luminum Channel Finishes

Mechanical Methods

There are a wide variety of mechanical methods used to finish aluminum channels. The purpose of mechanical finishing can be to create a smoother surface or pattern. The types of mechanical finishes include:

• Abrasive Blasting:Abrasive blasting is used to smooth a surface or roughen it. Additionally, it can remove potential surface contaminants.
• Grinding:Grinding uses a rotating abrasive tool to remove material to reach a needed tolerance. It is a process that is seldom used on aluminum channels.
• Polishing: Polishing is the most common form of finishing method since it is designed to bring out the texture, glow, and appearance of aluminum channels. It enhances their appearance creating a mirror like finish.
• Buffing: Buffing, much like polishing, enhances the surface appearance of aluminum channels using a light abrasive material.

Pretreatment Process

The process of pre-treating is used in conjunction with strip cleaning prior to the coating process. It can be completed chemically or by an electrolytic process. The chemical process is the most common to satisfy various federal regulations and the needs of architectural, construction, and transport applications. The pretreatment process is performed with precision to avoid contamination of the aluminum surface.

Pretreatment offers these functions and benefits:

• Formation of a barrier layer against ion, water, and oxygen
• Chemical and mechanical stabilization of the oxide film
• Improved bonding for coatings
• Creation of corrosion resistance

 

Aluminum Channel 6061
Product Description

Aluminium channel 6061 is an excellent candidate for most processing techniques and both interior and exterior applications. Association channels have defined edges on the outside and a tapered edge on the inside where the channel legs meet at the base making the legs thickness uniform. Common applications include trailers, walkways, ramps and structural support. It’s lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and an excellent choice wherever strength is required.

We carry Aluminium Channel 6061 associated with consistent thickness and European standards with tapered walls. 6061 is highly versatile and normally used for aerospace, marine, electronic, ornamental, machinery, and structural applications. Aluminium channel 6061 has a good strength-to-weight ratio, above average corrosion resistance, good machinability, and is excellent for welding. Aluminium channel 6061 stock is available in full size and custom cut lengths.

• Most commonly used. High strength & good welding. Not good formability. If formed, needs a very gradual radius.
• 6061 T6 Aluminium is one of the most versatile alloys and offers a wide range of mechanical properties.
• With medium to high strength, good toughness and a good surface finish, it maintains most of the good qualities of aluminum.

Welded by all methods and can be furnace brazed. T6 has an ultimate tensile strength of at least 42,000 psi, yield strength of at least 35,000 psi and ultimate shear strength of 27,000 psi. In �” thickness it has an 8% elongation and 10% in thicker sections.

You can buy aluminum products that come in many different sizes and shapes including bars, angles, rounds, plates, channels and beams. We are the best Aluminium Channel supplier in Ontario, Quebec, or Alberta (Canada).