How Aluminum Extrusions Improve Efficiency
Aluminum’s lightweight, durable, and versatile nature makes it indispensable across various industries. Its strength increases in cold temperatures, and its resilience allows it to thrive in diverse applications, from vehicles to packaging and construction.
Transportation
Aluminum is a staple in automotive, aerospace, and marine industries:
- Automotive: Aluminum extrusions are used in wheels, brakes, engines, and body panels, offering improved acceleration, braking, and precision control. Iconic models like the Acura NSX and Ferrari 458 Italia utilize aluminum for its energy absorption and safety benefits.
- Marine: Aluminum’s non-corrosive properties make it ideal for seaworthy vessels, ensuring stability and compliance with the International Maritime Organization’s High-Speed Code.
- Aerospace: NASA incorporates aluminum in the International Space Station (ISS) and rovers like Curiosity. Aluminum honeycomb structures, combined with graphite composites, help spacecraft endure extreme forces, such as on the MAVEN mission.
Packaging
The packaging industry has surpassed transportation as aluminum’s largest application, with shipments exceeding 4.37 billion pounds. Aluminum resists damage from water and light, making it ideal for pop cans, bottles, and other everyday products. Its lightweight nature reduces shipping costs, making it both practical and eco-friendly.
Building and Construction
Aluminum is widely used in commercial and residential buildings for frames, siding, and roofing. Its cost-effectiveness and low maintenance make it a preferred choice in construction.
Aluminum extrusions have been essential for over a century, delivering efficiency, sustainability, and performance across industries from transportation to packaging and beyond.
