We know that aluminum profiles have many advantages that other metal materials do not possess: they are lightweight, highly corrosion-resistant, have high strength, and exhibit good ductility, among others. However, nothing is perfect, and aluminum profiles also have some drawbacks. Let's analyze the specific aspects of these drawbacks together, so that users can leverage their strengths and avoid their weaknesses when selecting materials, choose the appropriate aluminum profile products according to their needs, and reduce the production costs of enterprises.
Extrusion defect
Since aluminum profiles are made from aluminum rods through a series of processes such as extrusion, aging, and anodizing, defects such as bubbles, color differences, and distortions are easily generated during the extrusion process due to factors such as the extrusion equipment and operating techniques.
The oxide film is too thin
The most crucial surface treatment method is anodizing. Before anodizing, it is necessary to conduct surface pretreatment on aluminum profiles, which involves using water washing or physical methods to achieve a mirror-like or matte surface. After that, anodizing is performed. Under certain processes, the surface-pretreated aluminum profiles generate a porous, dense, and highly adsorbent AL2O3 film layer. According to national regulations, the standard thickness of this film layer should be ≥10μm. However, many manufacturers, in order to save costs, only apply a film layer with a thickness of 2μm or 4μm, and some even have no film layer at all. Aluminum profile products produced in this way are prone to rusting and fail to achieve anti-corrosion effects.
The chemical composition is not qualified
Aluminum profiles are a type of metal material primarily made of aluminum, with the addition of other alloy elements such as magnesium, iron, copper, and nickel. For aluminum profile products with different applications, the content of each alloy is regulated by the state. Enterprises can also adjust the formula according to their own needs, but there are certain limits. Products that exceed the range are considered unqualified. Some enterprises, in order to save costs, add scrap aluminum or impure aluminum to the raw materials, causing significant changes in the chemical composition of the product. The quality of the produced aluminum profiles is unqualified, thus affecting its safety performance.
Insufficient wall thickness
The wall thickness of general aluminum profiles is typically specified to be above 1.4mm. Reducing the wall thickness may save production costs, but the resulting aluminum profiles will have a lighter weight, which can lead to insufficient load-bearing capacity, shortened service life, and further affect their performance.
The closure time is too short
To enhance the corrosion resistance and wear resistance of the oxide film, aluminum profiles must undergo sealing treatment promptly after oxidation. The quality of sealing is influenced by the sealing bath solution, temperature, and sealing time. The higher the concentration of sulfuric acid in the bath solution, the greater the difficulty of sealing, necessitating an appropriate extension of sealing time. Although a lower concentration reduces the amount of chemical reagents used and lowers costs, it can affect the coloring effect of the oxide film. Therefore, it is essential to control the sealing time. Aluminum profile products produced with too short a sealing time will exhibit reduced corrosion resistance and wear resistance, and the quality will not meet standards.