Today, we live in a world where the rapid advancement of technology has led to the continuous growth of industries and businesses, impacting all areas of human life. One of the areas that undoubtedly affects all of us, regardless of our position, is the concept of fashion, art, and beauty. This beauty can be found in many aspects of society, such as personal appearance, urban and public spaces, residential and professional environments, and more.
In the field of interior decoration for building spaces, significant progress has been made by designers and specialists in many industrial and leading countries. Many of these designers aim to enhance the beauty and functionality of decorative spaces for consumers. Their constant efforts focus on improving the efficiency of interior spaces while simultaneously increasing the visual effects of the environment.
In this context, one of the products that has been added to the inventory of professional decorators in recent years is decorative aluminum profiles. These products, due to their beauty, functionality, high durability, and strength, have quickly gained a special place among industry professionals and consumers.
These metal sections not only have an attractive appearance but also offer excellent structural features, and due to their high formability, they can serve a wide range of functions.
What is an Aluminum Profile?
An aluminum profile refers to sections made from aluminum alloys with a fixed cross-section and a specific length. Aluminum profiles are widely used in various industries, including construction, automotive, packaging, electrical and electronic industries, and more. Aluminum is a metallic element with special properties, including: 1) Light weight, 2) High resistance, 3) High formability, 4) Recyclability, 5) Aesthetic appeal, 6) Resistance to moisture, 7) High paintability, etc.
These properties have made aluminum increasingly used in the construction industry, particularly in the field of interior decoration and building façades. One of the most commonly used products in interior decoration is aluminum profiles, which have diverse applications and are becoming more popular.
Aluminum Profile Production Process:
1) Aluminum Extrusion
Extrusion is one of the key steps in producing aluminum profiles. During the extrusion process, molten aluminum is forced through a mold under high pressure, and the aluminum exiting the mold takes on the shape of the mold’s cross-section, effectively setting the profile’s shape. The aluminum billet is pushed into the mold by a powerful machine called a “ram” and exits through the other side.
2) Finishing and Painting of Aluminum Profiles
This step can be carried out in two distinct ways. There are two main methods for coating aluminum profiles, each with its own specific steps and characteristics. These methods are:
– Anodizing
– Electrostatic Powder Coating
Below is a brief explanation of each coating method:
Anodizing Process
Anodizing is an electrochemical process that significantly increases the corrosion resistance of aluminum profiles. In anodizing, the thickness of the surface oxide layer of aluminum is enhanced, sometimes making it several times thicker than the original layer, which preserves the metal’s properties against corrosion. This process creates an oxide layer on the surface of aluminum that prevents corrosion, increases resistance and strength, and enhances the aesthetic appearance of the aluminum surface.
Objectives of anodizing include:
– Increased corrosion resistance: The anodized oxide coating protects the metal against atmospheric elements and salts.
– Increased paint adhesion: The anodized layers create a chemically active surface, providing an ideal base for painting.
– Aesthetic enhancement: The anodized surface provides a bright and shiny finish, creating an appealing visual effect for decoration.
– Electrical insulation: Most oxides act as electrical insulators and can withstand high voltages, providing insulation.
– Increased wear resistance: Anodizing can create high-hardness coatings that significantly increase resistance to wear, referred to as “Hard Anodizing.”
– Detection and control of surface defects: Anodized coatings can be inspected for surface defects in aluminum parts using a special acid bath.
Electrostatic Powder Coating:
Today, one of the most widely used methods of painting components in the industry is electrostatic powder coating. In this method, the component to be painted is first heated and then prepared for spraying. The powder paint consists of fine dry resin and pigment particles. This powder is sprayed onto the surface of the piece using a device known as a powder spray gun, which functions like a liquid paint sprayer. The difference is that the powder particles are electrostatically charged.
In this method, the metal piece is connected to the ground, and when the powder is sprayed, the charged powder particles adhere to the metal. The component is then heated in an industrial oven at up to 400°F, causing the resin to melt and fuse with the metal surface, creating a smooth, thick, and durable finish.
Advantages of Powder Coating:
1) Superior quality and results: The main reason for preferring powder coating over liquid paint is the much higher quality of the final finish. Powder-coated products do not face issues like dripping or uneven application.
2) Cost-effective and resource-saving: Despite the higher initial costs of powder coating equipment, it is much more cost-effective in the long run. There is no paint waste, and any unused powder can be recycled and reused.
3) Environmental protection and safety: Unlike liquid paints, powder coatings do not contain solvents. Solvent-based paints are highly flammable and pose a risk of fire. In powder coating, the absence of solvents reduces these hazards. Also, solvent vapors from liquid paints can be harmful when inhaled, causing respiratory issues.
Given the above advantages, it can be concluded that electrostatic powder coating is much more efficient and effective both in the manufacturing process and in product use compared to liquid paints.
Advantages of Using Aluminum Profiles:
1) Long Lifespan and Resistance to Corrosion and Wear
One of the most significant advantages of using aluminum profiles is their high resistance to moisture, corrosion, and rust. These products can be easily used in damp and outdoor areas without sustaining damage.
2) Lightweight and Easy to Use
As mentioned earlier, aluminum products are lightweight and highly durable. This feature, combined with the ease of installing these profiles, has made them popular among builders and decorators.
3) Design and Color Variety
Due to the production process, aluminum profiles offer a wide variety of shapes and cross-sections, which is a strong point for designers in creating unique and special spaces. Additionally, due to coating processes, aluminum parts can be produced and offered in various beautiful colors. Common colors include gold, champagne, and black, which can harmonize well with different spaces.
4) Environmental Compatibility
Aluminum is known for its 100% recyclability, making it a sustainable material. By using aluminum profiles, not only do we get beautiful designs, but we also help preserve the environment.
Applications of Aluminum Profiles
Aluminum profiles have widespread and diverse applications across various industries. As previously mentioned, aluminum is one of the most commonly used metals, and its uses span numerous industries, including agriculture, machinery, automotive, aerospace, electrical and electronics, construction, furniture and decoration, packaging, and chemicals.
In this article, we focus on the use of aluminum profiles in cabinet making and interior decoration. These profiles are especially used in the design of specific spaces and decoration. Some of the areas where aluminum profiles are widely used include kitchen cabinets, cinemas, office buildings, staircases, building lobbies and entrances, hallways, kitchen ceilings, mosques, restaurants, cafes, hotels, and more.
Some of the diverse applications of these aluminum profiles in building decoration include:
1) As cabinet and wardrobe handles (branch handles): In both visible and concealed types.
2) As rails for designing sliding doors in various cabinets: Classified based on the weight capacity of the doors.
3) As fillers for spaces between cabinet surfaces and the grooves of MDF sheets and other large panels.
4) As clothing racks and storage items inside wardrobes and decorative compartments.
5) As decorative kickboards for the bottom of kitchen cabinets and standing wardrobes.
6) As side panels: For visible areas on cabinet edges.
7) As spaces for linear lighting installations: Aluminum profiles are used for grooves where lighting systems are placed.
8) As frames for decorative glass doors: Aluminum profiles have replaced MDF in creating stylish glass door frames.
9) As frames and partitions for creating internal building partitions.
10) As beams for decorative shelving units.
Final Thoughts
Nice Industrial Group, with over 30 years of successful experience in manufacturing and trading various cabinet and interior decoration hardware, is recognized as one of the leading and reputable companies in the industry. Nice has diversified its products, including aluminum profiles, to meet the needs and preferences of a wide range of builders and consumers. Many of Nice’s products are now exported to regional countries and have been well received by consumers in these countries.
