Aluminum for General Purpose Enclosures

Author: Ingrid

Jul. 01, 2024

Aluminum for General Purpose Enclosures

Aluminum

Protocase Tech Tip Video

The company is the world’s best Aluminium Circle supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.

Watch More Tech Tip Videos)

Aluminum is corrosion resistant and light weight.

It has a lower structural stiffness than steel (about 1/3), which must be compensated for by thicker gauge.

Finish:
Powdercoat, No Finish or Grained Finish

Fasteners:
Typically, stainless steel fasteners are used with aluminum. However, in some cases, zinc-plated fasteners are used, depending on the application.

Additional Notes for Fasteners with Aluminum: Aluminum fasteners are very soft and therefore have low physical durability. As a result, we do NOT stock them. However, there are some applications where they are useful, such as parts that have service in corrosive liquids such as salt water. Other combinations of dissimilar metals can cause galvanic corrosion.

Stocked Aluminum alloy ( Sheet/Plate )

Aluminum - H32

Aluminum is optimal for sheet metal work and is very easy to form at room temperature. This material is very bendable, and can therefore handle tight radii. A non-heat treatable alloy, aluminum is readily welded by conventional methods. It has good forming characteristics and good corrosion resistance, including resistance to salt water. aluminum is also relatively easy to machine.

Note: See caution on gauges.

Gauge Thickness Thickness Tolerance   (0.250" | 6.35 mm) ± 0.014"   (0.188" | 4.78 mm) ± 0.009" 8 gauge (0." | 3.26mm) ± 0.007 | ± 0.18mm 10 gauge (0.102" | 2.59mm) ± 0.006 | ± 0.15mm 11 gauge (0.091" | 2.31 mm) ± 0." 12 gauge (0.081" | 2.06 mm) ± 0." 14 gauge (0.064" | 1.63 mm) ± 0." 16 gauge (0.051" | 1.30 mm) ± 0." 18 gauge (0.040" | 1.02 mm) ± 0." 20 gauge (0.032" | 0.81 mm) ± 0."

Aluminum - ( Sheet/Plate )

Aluminum is a general-purpose alloy commonly used in extrusions, and is also available in sheet metal. However, it is not recommended for sheet metal work because it tends to crack on the outside radii once it passes its yield (and therefore requires a much larger radii to be able to bend properly). aluminum is also very easy to machine.

Temper:
Thicknesses above 0.188&#; have a temper of T651.
Thicknesses 0.188" and below have a temper of T6.

Gauge Thickness Thickness Tolerance   (0.102" | 2.6mm) ± 0.006"   (0." | 3.26 mm) ± 0.007"   (0.188" | 4.78 mm) ± 0.009"   (0.250" | 6.35 mm) ± 0.014"   (0.375" | 9.53 mm) ± 0.017"   (0.500" | 12.7 mm) ± 0.023"

Aluminum -T6

Aluminum is predominantly alloyed with zinc. Among aluminum alloys, it is one of the highest strength options, making it optimal for aerospace and defense applications, as well as rock climbing gear, bicycle components and mold tool manufacturing.

Gauge Thickness Thickness Tolerance 16 0.050" | 1.27 mm ± 0.002" | 0. mm 14 0.063" | 1. mm ± 0.002" 0. mm 12 0.080" | 2.032 mm ± 0." | 0. mm 11 0.090" | 2.286 mm ± 0." 0. mm 10 0.100" | 2.54 mm ± 0." | 0. mm 0.125" | 3.175 mm ± 0.039" | 0. mm 0.250" | 6.35 mm ± 0.075" | 1.905 mm 0.500" | 12.7 mm ± 0.130" | 3.302 mm 1.000" | 25.4 mm ± 0.039" | 0. mm

Aluminum -T3

Aluminum is predominantly alloyed with copper. It is common to find it used in the aerospace and defense industries because of its high strength-to-weight ratio. It requires protective coating in many use cases.

Gauge Thickness Thickness Tolerance 16 0.050" | 1.27 mm ± 0.002" | 0. mm 14 0.063" | 1. mm ± 0.002" 0. mm 12 0.080" | 2.032 mm ± 0." | 0. mm 11 0.090" | 2.286 mm ± 0." 0. mm 10 0.100" | 2.54 mm ± 0." | 0. mm 0.125" | 3.175 mm ± 0.039" | 0. mm 0.250" | 6.35 mm ± 0.075" | 1.905 mm 0.500" | 12.7 mm ± 0.130" | 3.302 mm 1.000" | 25.4 mm ± 0.039" | 0. mm

Aluminum Alca 5 Plate

Aluminum Alca 5 Plate is cast plate known for its stability and consistency between plates. It has superior flatness and dimensional tolerances on the thickness which makes it popular for tooling and base plates.

Alca 5 is similar to MIC 6 Aluminum. If your project specifically requires MIC 6, we are happy to order it for you as a non-stock request.

Gauge Thickness Thickness Tolerance Flatness Tolerance (0.250" | 6.35 mm) ± 0.005" | 0.13mm 0.015" | 0.38mm (0.375" | 9.53 mm) ± 0.005" | 0.13mm 0.015" | 0.38mm (0.500" | 12.7 mm) ± 0.005" | 0.13mm 0.015" | 0.38mm (1.000" | 25.4 mm) ± 0.005" | 0.13mm 0.005" | 0.13mm

Please note: Our suppliers have provided the material data above, with the nominal thicknesses based on industry standards.

Note: Gauges are typically not used when specifying aluminum as the actual thickness of the aluminum is more internationally recognized. It starts at sheet by thickness and migrates into plate at the thicker end of the scale.

Choosing the right aluminum windows

Let&#;s face it &#; aluminum windows are an expensive investment, but they are worth the price. Why? Foremost, these windows are more durable, can withstand larger dimensions and loads, and are easier to maintain. So what are the key aspects when choosing aluminum windows?

After reading this article you will know:

What to look out for when choosing aluminum windows?

Price and reliability of the supplier

There is no need to deny it &#; for customers, the right price is one of the most important aspects when acquiring goods. Aluminum windows can be two times more expensive than for example PVC models, you have to find a reliable supplier. Choosing the wrong provider may lead to a variety of problems, ranging from delays to unsatisfactory quality. The second matter is the huge price difference for the same window systems between various fenestration suppliers, as they can fluctuate up to several dozen percent.

debesto works only with credible factories, additionally, we constantly monitor the fenestration market in Poland, thanks to this, you can be sure that by entrusting us with your order, you do not overpay for the purchased goods, and their quality will be at the highest level.

Our company also offers you free project consultations that will help you manage your budget and dispel doubts related to e.g. local construction requirements.

Thermal insulation

In the beginning, let&#;s establish that the more insulation, the warmer the window is. But it should be remembered, that panes have the greatest impact on the U-Factor, since they occupy the largest area of the window.

*U-Factor &#; parameter of the thermal insulation value of the window

In terms of thermal insulation, aluminum windows can be divided into cold and warm windows.

Cold profiles do not have thermal insulation inside the frames and are dedicated to the internal building only.

On the other side, warm aluminum profiles have thermal spacers that are usually made of polyamide or foam. You can also add additional spacers, which also improves their thermal properties.

Featured content:
Aluminum Extrusion Profiles, Standard or Custom ...

Want more information on Buy Aluminum Coil? Feel free to contact us.

&#;Cold&#; profile&#;Warm&#; profileWindow systemAluprof MB-45Aluprof MB-79NThermal spacersNOYESGlazing2 panes (Ug 1,0)2 panes (Ug 1,0)U-Factor of the selected window*0.44 BTU/ft20.23 BTU/ft2

*selected window RU x mm, 2 panes (Ug 1,0), warm inter-pane frames

Height of the frame and sash assembly

The height of the frame and sash assembly is another element that affects the window thermals &#; the lower the fold, the larger the glass area, which is why narrow-frame profiles have been gaining popularity recently.

This trend awakened the rivalry between aluminum fenestration producers that compete in creating systems with the lowest possible folding of the frame with the sash, which also allow as much light as possible to enter the room. Another advantage of the standard profiles with low folding is the slightly lower price of the windows, since the material consumption is lower.

From an aesthetic point of view, you have to remember that the larger the dimensions of the structure with the sash are, the higher the folding height can be &#; this is related to the maximum loads that a given sash and fitting can have. With larger constructions, however, the differences in the height of the assemblies are not that noticeable.

Allowed dimensions and loads

Each window system has its own maximum dimensions and load &#; this is another parameter that determines which system you should choose for your investment, for instance, if you want a 3-meter entrance, without the need to divide the structure into a lower sash and transom, the number of available options becomes significantly lower. But fret not &#; debesto&#;s technical consultants will help you choose solutions that meet your needs.

Aluminum windows &#; are they worth investing in? What are the advantages of aluminum fenestration?

The strengths and advantages of aluminum windows include, for example,

  • being more resistant to weather conditions and scratches, for that reason, aluminum windows can remain in an unchanging state for several dozen year
  • it can withstand heavier loads, for instance, the longest acceptable side of the window in PVC is approx. 3 meters, in aluminum it can be as much as approx. 4 meters
  • they do not require additional care like constructions made from wood
  • thanks to varnishing, such profiles are more durable than veneered PVC profiles, you can choose from various options for finishing the structure, e.g. it can be wood-like, matte, glossy or with a fine sand texture
  • aluminum profiles can be covered with all colors from the RAL palette, they can also be two-colored &#; a different tint and finish from the inside and outside

And what if you do not want to pay more for aluminum windows, but you care about their aesthetic aspects? Even when you have a limited budget, there are now more and more PVC systems on the market that imitate aluminum profiles. One of them is, for example, Gealan Linear.

Comparison of aluminum windows based on selected Aluprof profiles

Based on individual Aluprof window systems, let&#;s analyze the differences between cheap &#;warm&#; profiles, energy-saving models and passive aluminum windows, which are characterized by a low heat transfer coefficient. We will also learn what effect additional thermal insulators actually have on the overall thermals.

PROFILEGLAZINGPRICE OF THE SELECTED WINDOW*U-FACTOR OF THE SELECTED WINDOWMINIMAL FOLDING**MB-70 ST3 panes (48 mm)493 EUR0. mmMB-70 HI3 panes (48 mm)512 EUR0. mmMB-79N ST3 panes (48 mm)471 EUR0.1697 mmMB-79N SI3 panes (48 mm)492 EUR0.1497 mmMB-86 ST3 panes (48 mm)537 EUR0. mmMB-86 SI3 panes (48 mm)545 EUR0. mmMB-86 AERO3 panes (48 mm)624 EUR0. mmMB-104 Passive3 panes (48 mm)650 EUR0. mm

*selected window RU x mm, RAL , 3 szyby 48 mm (Ug 0.5), warm frame, aluminum handle, installation anchors
**without extra charge from a proven manufacturer
ST = standard, HI/SI/AERO = additional thermal insulators

Based on the table above, we can find out that:

Aluprof MB-79N Standard:

  • is about 5% cheaper than its older version MB-70 ST
    • is based on the MB-70, it looks almost the same from the outside, but has better thermals and a slightly higher minimum folding of the frame with the sash at no extra charge
    • this model can achieve an even lower fold, which is 90 mm, by changing the hinges from visible to hidden for an additional cost
    • has the same U-Factor parameter as MB-70 with an additional HI insulator, but it is cheaper by approx. 8%
    • with an additional SI thermal spacer, this profile is a good, cheaper alternative to the standard MB-86 version

MB-104 Passive:

  • is a good option when you are looking for a window with good thermal parameters, corresponding to passive windows
  • although it is more expensive than the MB-86 AERO by about 4%, its U-Factor parameter improves notably
  • has a higher fold which is already over 100 mm

You should remember that passive systems require a different assembly than standard window systems, but we will talk about it in a separate article.

Apaft from Aluprof products, debesto also offers products from other leading aluminum fenestration system providers, such as Reynaers, Cortizo, Aliplast, Ponzio, Yawal, Deceunnick, or Schüco. 

Are you doing a large project involving aluminum windows?

Consult it without any obligation with our business consultant and technologist. Just after a short meeting, you will learn whether importing aluminum windows from Poland pays off.

Consult your project for free

Are you interested in learning more about Aluminum Coil Factory? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!

69

0

Comments

Please Join Us to post.

0/2000

All Comments ( 0 )

Previous: None

Next: None

Guest Posts

If you are interested in sending in a Guest Blogger Submission,welcome to write for us!

Your Name: (required)

Your Email: (required)

Subject:

Your Message: (required)