Because it’s awesome
You can produce very intricate shapes incorporating features that aid assembly and end product function
Aluminium extrusions are available in a size range of 3mm CCD up to about 700mm CCD. Many features can be incorporated into the section, screw ports for fitting end plates, linear threads, fins for cooling, T slots, gasket grooves, ball and socket joints for hinging and many more
It is strong
There are certain alloys that can achieve tensile of over 85,000 PSI and aluminium can be alloyed to give a wide range from low middle to high ultimate tensile
Ideal for fabrication and machining
Aluminium machines very well particularly in certain alloy groups and forms well subject to alloy temper and geometry. If in doubt ask
Can be toleranced to suit fit and function
Clip fits, hinge fits, slide fits etc. are common-place in aluminium extrusion design. Whilst extrusion tolerances are quite forgiving, placing the emphasis on fit and function is the surest way to achieve the perfect fit
Can be finished in many ways
From anodising, colour anodising, architectural anodising, chemical brightening and powder coating, the available finishes are many fold
It is lightweight with a high strength to weight ratio
This makes it the chosen material of so many market sectors from aviation to cranes through to simple retail hanging rails
It is non-combustible
As well as being non-combustible it produces no dangerous emissions when heated
It is reflective and electrically conductive
By volume aluminium is over 60% more effective as a conductor than copper. It is 80% reflective
It can be joined in many ways
It can we mechanically fixed in many ways, welded soldered brazed and bonded to name a few
It has comparatively short lead times compared with other processes
In most products the aluminium extruded part is on the shortest lead-time
It is non-toxic, non-magnetic and non-sparking
This makes it the ideal material in incendiary or explosive areas and applications where exposure to these may be prevelant
Oh and its awesome