Blog - Aluminum Alloy Articles
Learn more about common aluminum extrusion alloys, including their properties and applications
6063 Aluminum: Get to Know its Properties and Uses
Alloy selection plays an important role in your aluminum extrusion project. 6063 aluminum is the most popular alloy for extrusion and so it is a natural consideration. This alloy is widely used in architectural applications. Because of this, it is often referred to as...
Copper vs. Aluminum Heatsinks: What You Need to Know
Electronic devices can generate a lot of heat. So, heatsinks play an important role in helping to cool them. You may be aware that aluminum is the most popular metal for heatsinks, but that copper is also sometimes used. You may also realize that copper has...
2024 Aluminum: Get to Know its Properties and Uses
When considering different alloys for an extrusion project, it is important to understand the properties of each alloy and how it compares to the alternatives. 2024 aluminum is an alloy that is often used in the aerospace industry. It is a high-strength alloy suitable...
7075 Aluminum: Get to Know its Properties and Uses
Alloy selection is important for extrusion projects, and in the aerospace industry, the 7075 aluminum alloy is commonly used. With zinc as it’s primary alloying element, it is exceptionally strong. A member of the 7000 series, it is one of the strongest alloys...
Anodized Aluminum Heatsinks: What You Need to Know
Heat sinks play an important role in electronic and mechanical devices. They act as passive heat exchangers, transferring heat from hot components to a fluid medium (usually air). There are different types of heat sinks. Some are made from copper and some are...
Which Aluminum Alloys are Best for Extruded Heat Sinks?
Heat sinks are used in CPUs and graphics processors. They're found in everything from lighting equipment to automotive equipment. When you're designing a heat sink, there are compromises you need to make. You need to find the right balance between factors that...
Bright Dip Anodizing: Is it a Good Choice for Your Extrusions?
When deciding on a finish for your custom aluminum extrusions or standard profiles, there are two main factors to consider. The first is your required level of corrosion resistance. The second is the appearance you're looking for. You may be considering bright...
5 Types of PCB Surface Finishes: Is One of Them Right for Your Project?
Choosing the surface finish is an essential step in the design of your printed circuit boards. The PCB surface finish helps protect copper circuitry from corrosion. It also provides a solderable surface for your components. There are a number of factors to consider,...
Pretreatment of Aluminum Extrusions: What You Need to Know
So, you’re thinking of painting or powder coating your extrusions. That’s great! These finishes can give you a range of bright, vibrant colors, and they’ll make your project more visually appealing. The last thing you want, though, is for your finish to not...
Is Liquid Paint the Best Finish for My Aluminum Profiles?
When deciding on the right finish for your aluminum profiles, there are a number of things to consider. You have to keep in mind how the extrusions will be used. And you also need to decide whether to put more weight on appearance or corrosion protection. Liquid...