Metalworking - Everything about the aluminum profil

In our shop, we offer a variety of aluminum tile profiles and skirting boards. Our range includes angle profiles, stair profiles, and balcony profiles. But how are these shapes created? The tile profiles are made using methods such as sawing, punching, or milling. Today, we would like to give you a brief introduction to the processing of aluminum profiles.

Why use aluminum profiles at all?

The low weight and good weather resistance are among the advantages of the material. It can not only be used excellently outdoors, but the profile is also quick and easy to install. Due to the low weight of the material and its surface properties, the rail is easy to clean. The surfaces of many aluminum profiles are covered with a protective layer. This not only contributes to improved weather protection, but also enhances the appearance.

Processing of aluminum profiles

Basically, aluminum profiles can be processed with the machines that are also used for woodworking. However, for example, a saw blade or drill bit for metal must be used.

Processing aluminum profiles is a type of metalworking often referred to as "machining". This includes all processes used to shape metal workpieces, such as cutting, sawing, drilling, and milling. It is particularly important to choose the right tool for machining, with the appropriate rake angle, feed rate, and cutting angle.

Cutting & sawing aluminum

Cutting aluminum profiles at an angle is a common task for many craftsmen. This method is usually used when Tile strips should be individually cut off at the desired angle.

As a lightweight metal, aluminum has very good thermal conductivity. For this reason, sawing profiles is somewhat more complicated. Anyone who uses the wrong tool or doesn't adjust the feed rate and speed will quickly notice the poor quality of the cut edges.

To cut aluminum, we recommend using a hacksaw; however, circular saws or jigsaws with the right blade also work. For processing, a fine-toothed blade, a large cutting angle, and a relatively high speed are sufficient.

Cut by hand?

Aluminum can also be cut without the aid of machines. This is possible with very thin profiles. With sheet metal shears, you can easily work with thicknesses up to 1.5 mm. With a... Utility knife Aluminum sheets up to 0.5 mm can be cut.

Cooling while sawing

When sawing profiles particularly quickly, the aluminum can often become very hot, and in some cases, shavings of the light metal can stick to the tool. To prevent this, a lubricant or coolant should be added during processing.

In addition, cooling the cutting process ensures a significantly higher quality cutting edge. The service life of the saw blade is extended to three to four times its lifespan.

Drilling aluminum profiles

Drilling aluminum is one of the most common processes in machining this material. For example, you can find threaded aluminum profiles in our shop. By drilling a thread into an aluminum profile, the profiles are particularly suitable for attaching screws and joints. These holes are usually created with a twist drill, a deep hole drill, a drill rod, or a circular cutter. This is also used in the processing of steel or copper.

Even with the right tools, drilling aluminum is not entirely easy. It's important to ensure that the profile is securely fixed and that the pressure exerted on the metal is kept as low as possible. Too high a speed is also not good, as excessive pressure can lead to white fracture. White fracture is the optical effect caused by microscopically small cracks in the material when metals are highly stressed or overstressed during processing. This changes the properties at that point (cracks, light refraction at the crack) and the surface appears almost white in some places. Working slowly and cleanly is a great advantage here.

For larger holes, you should first pre-drill with a small drill bit and then carefully enlarge the hole to prevent fractures or cracks on the surface. For a long service life of the equipment or tools, we recommend treating them with a cutting/drilling oil.

Welding or gluing aluminum profiles

Today, there are various ways to connect aluminum rails. Gluing the aluminum tile profiles together maintains their strength. Welding the profiles together is equally reliable.

Can aluminum profiles be bent?

Yes, that's possible. We offer it in our shop.  Flexible tile strips for bending Everything is available, from angle profiles to stair profiles and skirting boards. These flexible profiles are often used with tiles with rounded edges and give your room that certain something.

For bending aluminum profiles, we recommend using a Curvers . This not only makes bending easier for you, but also bends it exactly to the desired radius.

The right protection

Working with metal is significantly louder than working with wood. For this reason, when cutting aluminum profiles, you should pay attention to a good Hearing protection do not forgo. To protect your eyes from flying aluminum shavings, we recommend a Safety glasses.

If you should have any further questions, we will gladly help you!

Best of luck!

the team from Everything for Tiles