Aluminum Channels

Extruded Aluminum J-Channels with Brushed Stainless Steel, Brite Black, Bronze and Gold Finishes - Extrude-A-Trim

Aluminum channels are formed during the extrusion process, in which round aluminum stock called "billets" or "logs" are pressed by a ram through a die, which is a hollow profile that shapes the aluminum into a specific extruded shape as the billet is squeezed through. Aluminum channels can be made using two different types of extrusion process: indirect extrusion and direct extrusion.

Direct extrusion holds the die stationary while the ram forces the aluminum alloy through the die opening, while indirect extrusion holds the die stationary as the hollow ram moves into the stationary billet from one end, forcing the metal to flow through the die. In addition, extrusion processes include hot extrusion, cold extrusion and warm extrusion.

In cold extruding, aluminum billet is pressed through the die at room temperature or near room temperature. Warm extruding, or forging, is done on billets brought to temperature ranges between 800 and 1800 degrees F. Hot extrusions are performed on aluminum which has been fully plasticized by heat and is often performed in a vacuum to avoid oxidation.

After an aluminum channel has been extruded, it is straightened by a stretcher. On an additional note, aluminum channels are an environmentally-friendly product because using aluminum channels in transportation often saves on carbon emissions, as aluminum is a far lighter metal than its alternatives, such as steel.