Aluminum’s popularity comes from its strength and versatility. Both structural and architectural extrusions are durable, adaptable, corrosion-resistant, and lightweight. Even though they sound almost identical, there are some differences between these two types of extrusions.
Aluminum alloys use numbers to determine the grade. The three common grades we use are aluminum alloy 6061 for structural extrusions and aluminum alloy 6063 for architectural extrusions. We also use aluminum alloy 6463 for architectural extrusions with brite finishes.
There are other grades of aluminum, but for the remainder of this piece, we’ll keep it simple and look at them as structural or architectural.
Structural aluminum is used because of its strength, weldability, formability, and corrosion resistance. This type of extrusion is best used to make structural shapes: and we offer it in aluminum angles, aluminum channels, and T bars, just to name a few.
Some use cases for structural alloy extrusions are building products, vehicle parts, furniture, agricultural, medical, and electronic applications.
The alluring factor for architectural aluminum is the finishing characteristics. Because of its amazing finishes, this type of extrusion is best used to make aluminum moulding and trim, ticket moulding, architectural angles, and architectural channels.
This type of aluminum is used for both exterior and interior architectural applications. Some common use cases are appliance parts, kitchen equipment, moldings, extruded trim for homes and store fixtures, and medical equipment.
Another massive benefit of 6063 alloy is its customizability. Most custom extrusions take advantage of the 6063’s versatility. And, with Extrude-A-Trim, you can make your custom extrusions come to life to match your project perfectly.
The similarities between structural and architectural extrusions are plentiful – durable, adaptable, corrosion-resistant, and lightweight. But it’s those minor differences – extra strength (structural) or smooth finish (architectural) – that really cement the look or vigor of your projects needing aluminum extrusions.
If you need help finding which aluminum extrusion is right for you, please reach out and we will assist you with your architectural and structural aluminum needs.
Is it a Z-Clip or a French Cleat? Or What’s the difference between an F-Channel, corner moulding, and a sign frame extrusion? Are they just different names for the same thing? Or are they completely different?
Extrude-A-Trim is going to the 2024 International Woodworking Fair in Atlanta! Stop by booth C2330 to chat with our experts and check out our vast selection of aluminum extrusions.
Whether you’re looking for retail displays to grand showcases at tradeshow exhibits, or organizing your millwork, woodwork, and cabinetry areas, slatwall inserts could be the perfect solution for you.
With a new warehouse in Pompano Beach, Florida, Extrude-A-Trim can now help its US customers get the right specialty aluminum extrusions at the right price, right now.
© 2024 – EXTRUDE-A-TRIM® is a registered trademark of Extrude-A-Trim Inc.
All drawings and part numbers are the property of Extrude-A-Trim Inc., and may not be copied or reproduced or altered in any way without the expressed written approval of Extrude-A-Trim Inc.
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Tel: (954) 884-0302
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Toronto, Ontario. M9W 5X9
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© 2024 – EXTRUDE-A-TRIM® is a registered trademark of Extrude-A-Trim Inc.
All drawings and part numbers are the property of Extrude-A-Trim Inc., and may not be copied or reproduced or altered in any way without the expressed written approval of Extrude-A-Trim Inc.
