Custom Precision Extruded Aluminum Extendable Tube

1. Aluminum Alloy 6061

• Characteristics:
  • Excellent mechanical properties
  • Good corrosion resistance
  • Medium to high strength
  • Weldable
• Benefits: Versatile and widely used in structural applications, offering good fatigue resistance and ease of fabrication.

2. Aluminum Alloy 6063

• Characteristics:
  • Good corrosion resistance
  • Excellent extrudability and finishing
  • Lower strength compared to 6061
• Benefits: Ideal for architectural applications and situations requiring aesthetic appeal, such as window frames and custom shapes.

3. Aluminum Alloy 6082

• Characteristics:
  • High strength and good corrosion resistance
  • Good weldability
  • Excellent machinability
• Benefits: Suitable for heavy-duty applications, including structural components in buildings and bridges.

4. Aluminum Alloy 5052

• Characteristics:
  • Good corrosion resistance, especially in marine environments
  • Excellent workability and weldability
  • Moderate strength
• Benefits: Commonly used in applications where the material may be exposed to harsh conditions, such as fuel tanks and pressure vessels.

5. Aluminum Alloy 5005

• Characteristics:
  • Good corrosion resistance
  • Excellent anodizing properties
  • Moderate strength
• Benefits: Often used for decorative applications and architectural features due to its surface finishing capabilities.

6. Aluminum Alloy 2024

• Characteristics:
  • High strength-to-weight ratio
  • Good fatigue resistance
  • Less corrosion resistant compared to other alloys
• Benefits: Frequently used in aerospace applications and other high-stress environments, where strength is critical.

7. Aluminum Alloy 7075

• Characteristics:
  • Very high strength
  • Lower corrosion resistance
  • Heat-treatable
• Benefits: Ideal for aerospace and military applications, where maximum strength is required.

1. Daily Cleaning: Wipe with a damp cloth; avoid using steel wool (to protect the anodized layer).

2. After Exposure to Extreme Environments: Rinse with a neutral cleaner after exposure to coastal or dusty environments, then dry and apply a thin layer of lubricant (silicone oil preferred).

3. Long-Term Storage: Collapse to the shortest state to avoid prolonged pressure from gravity, which can lead to metal fatigue.

The heat treatment of aluminum extrusions determines their mechanical properties, strength, and suitability for specific applications. Among the various heat treatment methods, T5, T6, and T66 are the most commonly used. Here’s an in-depth look:

Other Heat Treatment States 

• T4: Solution heat-treated and naturally aged. Used in applications requiring intermediate strength and enhanced formability.
• T7: Overaged for better stress-corrosion resistance, often used for aerospace and marine purposes.
• O (Annealed): Very soft condition suitable for extensive forming or bending requirements.
• F (As-Fabricated): No heat treatment applied, used in non-critical applications with low strength requirements.

. Anodizing (Oxidation)

• Common Colors:
  Natural silver
  Black
  Champagne
  Light bronze
  Dark bronze
  Gold

2. Electrophoresis Coating (E-Coating)

• Common Colors:
  Black
  Champagne
  Light bronze
  Dark bronze
  Custom metallic colors

3. Powder Coating

• Colors:
  Can match any color based on the RAL color chart.
  Offers textures like matte, gloss, satin, and custom finishes.

4. PVDF Coating (Polyvinylidene Fluoride)

• Colors:
  Also customizable using the RAL color chart.
  High-end finishes with matte or glossy effects.

5. Wood Grain Transfer Printing

• Colors and Patterns:
  Mimics various wood types (e.g., oak, walnut, teak, mahogany).
  Custom patterns available based on provided samples.

6. Film Lamination

• Colors and Patterns:
  Includes textures like marble, leather, and solid colors.
  Custom finishes and patterns based on provided samples.

Pre-Treatment Options (Impact on Final Color)

• Brushing/Polishing: Produces smooth or reflective metallic surfaces.
• Sandblasting: Adds a rough, matte texture before the final surface treatment.

Mold fees are an essential part of the custom aluminum extrusion process. Since every order requires a uniquely designed mold tailored to specific requirements, these molds cannot be used for other products. Therefore, the mold fee is necessary and non-negotiable.

We require 100% upfront payment of the mold fee before mold development begins to ensure timely production. However, as a token of appreciation for your support, we offer a refund of the mold fee or equivalent discounts once the order reaches a certain production volume. Specific policies can be discussed based on your order volume and collaboration details.

Mold production typically takes 7 days. After the sample is confirmed, producing a full container load of 26 tons generally requires 14 days for extrusion alone. If surface treatment is required, an additional 3 days will be needed. For machining, extra time will be required depending on the complexity and volume of the machining work. The exact additional time for machining will be determined based on the specific processing requirements.

Aluminum profiles are naturally corrosion-resistant due to the formation of a thin, protective oxide layer when exposed to air or water. This oxide layer is stable and self-repairing, meaning that even if the surface is scratched or cut (such as at exposed ends or during processing), the aluminum will not rust or corrode like iron or steel. Instead, the exposed areas will quickly form a new oxide layer, providing continuous protection against further oxidation.

With proper design, installation, and maintenance, aluminum profiles can last for decades, even in challenging environments. For example, untreated aluminum can easily withstand 20-30 years in outdoor applications, while profiles with surface treatments like anodizing or powder coating can last even longer, often exceeding 50 years. This makes aluminum an excellent choice for applications where durability and long-term performance are essential.

The price of aluminum profiles consists of several components: raw material costs, extrusion processing fees, surface treatment fees, machining costs, and additional packaging fees. Among these, the cost of aluminum as a raw material tends to fluctuate frequently, while other fees remain relatively stable. Due to these fluctuations, our quotations are typically valid for 7 days.

Pricing can be structured in different ways depending on the product and requirements. It can be calculated by weight (e.g., cost per ton), by length (e.g., cost per meter), or by piece (e.g., cost per unit). For products involving extensive machining, such as heat sinks, pricing is generally calculated on a per-piece basis to accurately reflect the additional processing costs. This flexible pricing approach ensures the quote is tailored to the specific needs of the customer.

We can manufacture aluminum profiles in compliance with technical requirements that meet European standards (EN), American standards (ASTM/AA), or other standards as specified by the customer. Custom production is tailored to ensure that the profiles meet the specific standard requirements requested.

Our production equipment is designed for the metric system. If the drawings provided are in the imperial system, we will convert them into metric units for production to ensure accuracy.

It is important to note that while we can machine imperial-threaded holes for fasteners, if you require us to supply matching imperial fasteners, they may not always be available in stock. Custom orders for imperial fasteners typically require a large volume for production. Please consider this when planning your project.