Introduction:
The production process of aluminum extrusion profiles, particularly those used in doors and windows, involves several key steps that ensure the final product is both durable and functional.
1. Aluminum Rod Extrusion Process
The first step in creating aluminum extrusion profiles is the extrusion of aluminum rods into substrates. This process involves the following steps:
Step 1: Heating Aluminum Rods
Aluminum rods, typically 6 meters in length, are heated to a temperature of around four to five degrees Celsius and kept at this temperature for approximately one hour to ensure uniformity.
Step 2: Cutting and Transporting
The heated aluminum rods are then cut and transported to the raw material inlet of the extruder.
Step 3: Extrusion
The extruder is operated to extrude the aluminum rods. The shape of the extruded aluminum profiles varies depending on the mold used. Profiles with thicker wall thickness require thicker aluminum rods.
Step 4: Cooling and Sawing
Once extruded, the profiles are cooled and then pulled and sawn to a fixed length by a traction machine.
Step 5: Straightening and Correcting
The sawn profiles are transported to a straightening table where they are straightened and corrected to ensure uniformity.
Step 6: Fixed Length Sawing
The corrected profiles are transported to the finished product platform for fixed length sawing.
Step 7: Aging Treatment
The aluminum profiles are framed and subjected to aging treatment in an aging furnace to enhance their mechanical properties.
Step 8: Hardness Measurement
The hardness of the profiles is measured, and once they pass the test, they are stored as substrates.
2. Surface Treatment
After extrusion, the aluminum profiles undergo surface treatment, commonly known as spraying. This involves cleaning the surface of the substrate to remove impurities such as grease before applying the spray.
3. Threading Process
The final stage in creating aluminum extrusion profiles is threading, which generally involves three steps: tooth threading, threading, and rolling. Some companies may skip the tooth threading process to save time, but including this step ensures a stronger composite of aluminum profiles and insulation strips.
4. Specifications and Structural Depths
Aluminum profiles come in various specifications, with insulation strip widths ranging from 10mm to 60mm. The profiles also have different structural depths, such as 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 100, 108, 110, and even up to 135mm. These depths are commonly referred to as the structural depths of profiles.
5. National Standards for Wall Thickness
In the national standard GB/T8478-2008 "Aluminum Alloy Doors and Windows", it is stipulated that the wall thickness requirements for the main stress parts of aluminum alloy door and window profiles are:
· External door: Min. thickness of 2.0mm.
· External window: Min. thickness of 1.4mm.
In 2020, a new national standard was introduced with updated requirements according to GB/T 8478-2020 "Aluminum Alloy Doors and Windows":
· External doors: Wall thickness should not be less than 2.2mm.
· Internal doors: Wall thickness should not be less than 2.0mm.
· External windows: Wall thickness should not be less than 1.8mm.
· Internal windows: Wall thickness should not be less than 1.4mm.
These standards are recommended but not mandatory. For general windows, a wall thickness of 1.4mm is sufficient unless large glass panels are used, which may require thicker profiles to prevent deformation.
Conclusion
Understanding the production process of aluminum extrusion profiles, including aluminum extrusion and subsequent treatments, is crucial for selecting the right materials for doors and windows. Each step, from extrusion to surface treatment and threading, ensures the final product meets the necessary standards and specifications. By adhering to national standards and choosing the appropriate wall thickness, manufacturers can produce high-quality aluminum doors and windows that meet various functional and aesthetic requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What is aluminum extrusion?
A1: Aluminum extrusion is a process where aluminum rods are heated and forced through a die to create specific shapes and profiles. This process is essential in producing aluminum profiles used in various applications, including doors and windows.
Q2: Why is surface treatment important for aluminum profiles?
A2: Surface treatment, commonly known as spraying, is crucial as it cleans the aluminum substrate of impurities and provides a protective and decorative coating, enhancing the durability and appearance of the final product.
Q3: What are the benefits of using aluminum extrusion profiles for doors and windows?
A3: Aluminum extrusion profiles offer several benefits, including high strength, lightweight, durability, and excellent thermal performance when combined with insulation strips. They also allow for various design options and finishes.
Q4: How does threading enhance aluminum profiles?
A4: Threading involves creating grooves and patterns on the aluminum profiles, which increases their strength and improves the bonding with insulation strips, resulting in better thermal performance and structural integrity.
Q5: What are the national standards for aluminum profile wall thickness?
A5: According to the national standard GB/T 8478-2020, the wall thickness for external doors should not be less than 2.2mm, internal doors not less than 2.0mm, external windows not less than 1.8mm, and internal windows not less than 1.4mm. These standards ensure the profiles' strength and durability.
By adhering to these guidelines and understanding the intricacies of aluminum extrusion and profile production, manufacturers can produce high-quality aluminum doors and windows that meet both functional and aesthetic requirements.
