What is the significance of improving aluminum by heating?

Although aluminum effectively conducts heat, sometimes you actually need to block heat transfer. One option is to use an insulating material. These breaks give designers better control over the flow of heat in the application.

For example, aluminum is a good, inexpensive option for window frames, door frames and refrigerator systems, and because of its light weight and high strength to weight ratio, aluminum is often used, not to mention its aesthetic appearance. Thermal damage allows cold space to be isolated from warm spaces as needed.

There are two main types of extrusion systems that can achieve this aluminum thermal improvement. The first is the so-called dumping and unwinding system. This is a three-step process in which the aluminum profile is extruded so there is a passage allowing it to contain an insulating polymer.

Next, the two parts of the polymer are poured into the channel. After hardening, it forms a strong insulating element. The metal bridge is then removed from the bottom of the channel, so you now have two separate aluminum plates connected by a non-metallic thermal barrier. Therefore, the name of the process is reverse and debridge.

The second option involves the use of insulating struts. A tool called a knurling wheel is used to form the teeth in the extruded profile. These teeth will adhere to the strip to ensure that the composite profile has sufficient shear strength. Three sets of wheel attachment members are used to rotate the extrudate onto the strip to mechanically lock the part.

Typically, more than 1,300 pounds of pressure will be applied during this process so that not only are the components securely locked together, but the assembly can actually be used as a load bearing composite. Therefore, you connect two separate aluminum parts to a non-metallic post so that the aluminum is completely insulated.

Even these two methods offer great flexibility to designers and manufacturers. Of course, there are many other options for thermally improving aluminum extrusions, depending on the specific application requirements.