BRUNNER ENTERPRISES
AMERICA‘S PREMIER DISTRIBUTOR OF ALUMINUM EXTRUSIONS
With over three decades of experience in aluminum manufacturing, Brunner Enterprises™ Inc. serves as a comprehensive provider of aluminum channels. Those seeking solutions that encompass lightweight strength, corrosion resistance, conductivity, and other unique properties will gain from a deeper insight into the various characteristics of aluminum channels and their industrial applications.
What Are Aluminum Channels?
Aluminum channels are a specific form of aluminum extrusion utilized for numerous structural purposes. The defining features of a typical aluminum channel include two flanges extending from one side of a web, often resembling the letter C in cross-section.
Characteristics of Aluminum Channels
Aluminum channels possess several notable attributes that render them an effective solution for diverse applications:
- High Electrical and Thermal Conductivity. The conductivity of aluminum is twice that of copper by weight, establishing it as the preferred material for large-capacity overhead power lines.
- Lightweight Strength. Aluminum boasts a high strength-to-weight ratio, making it an ideal choice for scenarios where lightweight load-bearing is essential.
- Heat Transfer and Shielding. In contexts where weight and rigidity are critical, such as aerospace applications, aluminum’s heat transfer and shielding capabilities surpass those of copper.
- Corrosion and Rust Resistance. Upon exposure to air, aluminum develops an oxide layer that safeguards it against rust and corrosion, which can be further enhanced through anodizing if required.
- Non-Magnetic. In situations where the magnetic properties of materials pose challenges, aluminum’s non-magnetic nature is particularly advantageous.
- Non-Sparking. Due to its non-sparking characteristics, aluminum is often the optimal choice for applications involving flammable or explosive materials.
- 100% Recyclable. During the process of recycling, aluminum is equal to virgin material without degradation. Additionally, aluminum recycling requires only 5% of the energy input necessary to process virgin material.
The material’s low toxicity and high reflectivity further enhance its appeal, making aluminum channels a preferred choice for various applications. Users seeking solutions that leverage these advantageous properties often turn to aluminum channels.
Industrial Applications of Aluminum Channels
Selecting the appropriate material is crucial in the manufacturing of a wide array of products. The aforementioned properties of aluminum offer effective or superior solutions to numerous challenges across different sectors, including:
- Aluminum is a preferred material in the construction of iconic structures such as high-rise buildings and bridges, including the Empire State Building, the Bank of China Building, and the Zaha Hadid London Aquatics Centre.
- Prior to the advent of airplanes, zeppelins utilized substantial amounts of aluminum. In contemporary aviation, various aluminum alloys are integral to the fuselage, instruments, and equipment in both aircraft and spacecraft.
- The characteristics of aluminum make aluminum channels particularly suitable for medical equipment, including X-ray machines, dialysis machines, hospital beds, dental chairs, and wheelchairs.
- Aluminum channels are also employed in the construction of chassis, as well as in the fabrication of doors, trunks, and hoods.
- These channels facilitate the development of lighter commuter trains and commercial aircraft, in addition to ramps and loading equipment utilized in the shipping industry.
While these sectors illustrate a broad spectrum of applications for aluminum channels, their utilization is increasingly expanding into other industries, as the unique properties of aluminum provide optimal solutions for emerging challenges.
…OUR GOAL IS TO PROVIDE A SUPERIOR PRODUCT AT A FAIR PRICE.
The diverse attributes of aluminum channels, including their resistance to corrosion, favorable strength-to-weight ratio, recyclability, and excellent electrical and thermal conductivity, render them an ideal choice for numerous applications. Brunner Enterprises™ Inc. manufactures both standard and custom-designed aluminum channels tailored to the unique requirements of our clients.