Knurling Aluminum Bar | Tube
A knurled aluminum rod is an aluminum material that features a patterned surface texture created through a knurling process. The knurling can include simple straight lines (Straight Knurl), crosshatch patterns (Diamond Knurl), or other customized designs. This process not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of the aluminum rod but also improves its functionality, such as providing anti-slip or anti-glare properties.
Knurled aluminum rods are widely used in industrial equipment, architectural decoration, daily applications, and mechanical components.
HTS-ALU is a professional aluminum profile manufacturer equipped with comprehensive machining and surface treatment capabilities, offering knurling services for aluminum rods and tubes.
Common Types of Knurling Patterns
Straight Knurling
The pattern consists of straight lines parallel to the axis of the aluminum rod. It provides strong anti-slip performance and is simple to manufacture, making it suitable for industrial applications.
Diamond Knurling
This pattern features intersecting lines forming a diamond-shaped grid. It offers excellent anti-slip properties and an appealing decorative effect, commonly used in tools, handles, and decorative components.
Diagonal Knurling
The pattern consists of diagonal lines angled across the rod’s surface. It combines good anti-slip functionality with a sleek, modern look, often used in designs requiring subtle aesthetics.
Common Specifications of Knurled Aluminum Rods
Diameter:
- 2mm ~ 20mm: For small equipment parts like handles and support rods.
- 20mm ~ 100mm: For mechanical parts, support rods, and railings.
- Over 100mm: For heavy machinery, decorative columns, and structural supports.
Length:
- 1 meter ~ 6 meters: Standard lengths.
- Custom lengths: Can be cut as needed.
Surface Treatments:
- Anodizing: Improves corrosion resistance and adds colors like silver, black, or gold.
- Polishing: Creates a smooth, shiny surface.
- Spray Coating: Adds protection and offers color options.
Knurling Pattern Specifications:
- Depth: Typically ranges from 0.25mm to 0.5mm.
- Spacing: Can be customized for different applications.
Material Choices for Knurled Aluminum Rods
- Features: High strength, excellent machinability, and strong corrosion resistance.
- Applications: Industrial uses, structural components, and support rods.
- Features: Good extrusion performance and excellent surface finish, with great aesthetics after anodizing.
- Applications: Decorative products, railings, and lamp posts.
- Features: Extremely high strength, suitable for heavy-load applications, but slightly weaker corrosion resistance.
- Applications: Aerospace, military equipment, and heavy machinery parts.
Aluminum Profile Manufacturing Capabilities
HTS-ALU, based in Eastern China, focuses on offering end-to-end aluminum profile manufacturing. We excel in custom mold design, precision extrusion, advanced machining, and high-quality surface finishing.
We possess the expertise to design and produce extrusion molds in-house, ensuring precision and efficiency in aluminum profile manufacturing. Our experienced team works closely with clients to develop custom molds based on drawings or samples, ensuring optimal performance for their specific requirements. Typically, the mold production process takes about 7 days, after which we provide samples for client confirmation before beginning full-scale production.
Our production facility houses over 40 advanced extrusion lines, featuring cutting-edge equipment such as a powerful 6000-ton extrusion press. This enables the creation of aluminum profiles in various sizes and forms, ranging from standard industrial applications to specialized products like thermal break profiles for high-end doors and windows. The flexibility of our extrusion capability ensures we can cater to a broad spectrum of industries, including construction and precision engineering.
To provide complete aluminum profile solutions, we offer extensive further processing capabilities. Our services include CNC machining, milling, threading, drilling, precision cutting, punching, welding, and assembly. This range of fabrication options allows us to deliver ready-to-use profiles tailored to exact project specifications, offering unmatched flexibility and reliability to our customers.
For superior durability and visual appeal, we offer various surface treatment solutions. These include anodizing for added corrosion resistance, powder coating for vibrant finishes, fluorocarbon coating for enhanced weather resistance, and wood grain transfer technology for elegant, natural-looking designs. These treatments are customizable to fit specific aesthetic and functional needs, ensuring that profiles not only perform well but also look exceptional.
Our Factory
Custom Extrusion from Us
At HTS NEW MATERIALS, we specialize in providing custom aluminum extrusions designed to meet your unique requirements. With advanced production facilities and over 40 extrusion lines, we deliver premium, precision-engineered profiles for a wide range of industries, including aerospace, automotive, construction, and more.
Our custom extrusion services include:
- Tailored Cross-Sections: Create unique aluminum profiles with our expert die-making capabilities, customized to suit your specific project needs.
- Diverse Surface Finishes: Enhance both the appearance and durability of your profiles with options like anodizing, powder coating, polishing, and more.
- Precision Machining: Ensure exact dimensional accuracy with cutting, drilling, milling, and advanced machining services.
- Flexible Tempers: Select from a variety of heat treatments, including T5, T6, and others, to achieve the ideal mechanical properties for your application.
Partner with HTS NEW MATERIALS for innovative, cost-effective, and dependable custom aluminum extrusion solutions that drive the success of your project.
RFQ of Extruded Aluminum Profile
1. Industrial Equipment
- Mechanical Parts: Used as guide rods and gripping components to enhance anti-slip performance and ergonomics.
- Tool Handles: Ideal for anti-slip handles due to their high friction.
- Support Frames: Knurled patterns improve functionality and mechanical performance of rods.
2. Construction and Decoration
- Railings and Handrails: Anti-slip properties make them a safe choice for indoor and outdoor handrails.
- Lamp Posts: Knurled textures add a modern and industrial design aesthetic.
- Decorative Strips: Commonly used as decorative borders or support columns.
3. Daily Use Equipment
- Sports Equipment: Found in dumbbell bars and barbell rods for anti-slip grip.
- Flashlight Cases: Provide a secure grip and enhanced handling.
- Household Items: Used in door handles, stands, and bookshelf rails.
4. Aerospace and Automotive
- Used as support rods, connectors, and decorative components with superior performance.
- Provides lightweight structures and enhances resistance to mechanical vibrations.
5. Medical and High-End Equipment
- Used in surgical tool handles and precision instrument connectors.
1. Knurling Design:
Choose the appropriate knurling type (e.g., straight or cross) and depth based on functional requirements.
2. Material Selection:
- For general purposes, use 6061 or 6063 aluminum alloy.
- For heavy loads or special environments, use 7075 or 5052 aluminum alloy.
3. Surface Treatment:
- For outdoor use, opt for anodizing to improve corrosion resistance.
- For indoor decoration, choose polishing or brushed finishes.
4. Application Environment:
- For high anti-slip needs, select deeper knurling (e.g., diamond cross patterns).
- For decorative purposes, focus on fine and uniform knurling designs.
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:
Heat Treatment State | Cooling Method | Strength | Key Features and Benefits | Applications |
---|---|---|---|---|
T5 | Air cooling (fan) | Moderate | Adequate strength, good dimensional stability, used for architectural purposes. | Windows, doors, curtain walls, building structures. |
T6 | Water quenching (fast) | High | Higher strength and hardness, ideal for industrial and structural uses. | Automotive, aerospace, machinery, transport parts. |
T66 | Water quenching (fast) | Very high | Optimized mechanical properties for higher strength and performance demands. | Automotive, rail transportation, high-end machinery. |
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.
We provide a wide range of machining services for aluminum extrusions to meet specific requirements. These include cutting off/section removal, slotting, drilling holes, tapping threads, bending, and localized stamping to create deformations. For example, we can trim extruded profiles to custom lengths, mill precise grooves, create threaded holes for fasteners, bend profiles into specific shapes, or apply localized stamping to achieve custom forms or deformation.
In addition to these processes, we also offer TIG/MIG welding to join aluminum components for a solid structure. Furthermore, our services include assembly of common accessories, such as brackets, corner connectors, screws, hinges, end caps, and rubber seals, providing complete and ready-to-install profile solutions tailored to your project needs. This ensures that we can handle everything from simple cuts to highly customized fabrication and assembly, all with precision and efficiency.
For custom aluminum extrusion projects, we accept a variety of drawing formats, including CAD files, STEP files, and PDF files. However, for extrusions that require additional machining processes, it’s recommended to provide STEP files, as they ensure precise 3D modeling for machining accuracy.
While PDF files are acceptable, converting them into CAD drawings may result in the loss of certain details, requiring us to manually redraw the design, which could increase lead time. For the fastest and most accurate quotation, we recommend providing CAD files (e.g., DWG/DXF) and STEP files to ensure efficient design evaluation and pricing.
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.
Our minimum order quantity (MOQ) varies depending on the size of the product. For smaller-sized products, the MOQ is typically 500kg, while for larger-sized products, it is 2 tons.
We will specify the exact MOQ requirements during the quotation process. If your order quantity does not meet the MOQ, we can still arrange production, but an additional fee will be applied to cover mold preheating and production setup time. Rest assured, this extra fee will be reasonable, and we aim to keep it as minimal as possible to ensure smooth cooperation.
Packaging can be customized according to your needs. Options include using protective film or paper to separate and protect the surface, or foam film for additional surface protection. Products can be palletized or packed into cartons, and the quantity per pallet or carton can be specified by the customer.
The standard packaging involves bundling several pieces together with plastic wrap and then securing them onto pallets. Any packaging requirements beyond the standard will be accommodated, and the associated costs will be clearly provided to the customer.
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.
Diameter (mm) | Length (m) | Note |
---|---|---|
5mm | 2.5m | Half-cut available |
6mm | 2.5m | Half-cut available |
7mm | 2.5m | Half-cut available |
8mm | 2.5m | Half-cut available |
9mm | 2.5m | Half-cut available |
10mm | 2.5m | Half-cut available |
11mm | 2.5m | Half-cut available |
12mm | 2.5m | Half-cut available |
13mm | 2.5m | Half-cut available |
14mm | 2.5m | Half-cut available |
15mm | 2.5m | Half-cut available |
16mm | 2.5m | Half-cut available |
17mm | 2.5m | Half-cut available |
18mm | 2.5m | Half-cut available |
19mm | 2.5m | Half-cut available |
20mm | 2.5m | Half-cut available |
21mm | 2.5m | Half-cut available |
22mm | 2.5m | Half-cut available |
23mm | 2.5m | Half-cut available |
24mm | 2.5m | Half-cut available |
25mm | 2.5m | Half-cut available |
26mm | 2.5m | Half-cut available |
27mm | 2.5m | Half-cut available |
28mm | 2.5m | Half-cut available |
29mm | 2.5m | Half-cut available |
30mm | 2.5m | Half-cut available |