Aluminium 1.1/2 x 1/8 U Channel Sections | 1.1/2″ x 1/8″ (3.2mm) Wall

Aluminium 1.1/2 x 1/8 U Channel

This Aluminium 1.1/2 x 1/8 U Channel Section is a versatile and reliable material for all your construction and fabrication needs. They are lightweight, easy to transport, and offer durable and long-lasting performance thanks to their 3.2mm thickness. Their corrosion resistance makes them ideal for use in harsh environments. The malleability of these U channels makes them easy to shape and mold to fit any design specifications. The fact that they are recyclable also makes them an eco-friendly option for those who are concerned about the environment. Shiny finishes add sophistication to any project, making them a favorite of architects and builders. For your next project, choose the Aluminium 1.1/2 x 1/8 U Channel Sections and experience the benefits for yourself.

Quick product details:

• Metal – 6082T6 Grade Aluminium
• Coating – No. There is no coating.

Why Choose Speciality Metals

Speciality Metals is known to be the United Kingdom’s best up-and-coming small-quantity metal company.

• FREE UK delivery on all orders
• Order dispatch within 24 hours of order
• Located in Warrington, UK which is the UK home of mesh and metals
• Our experienced staff are experts in the mesh market and care personally about your customer experience

Furthermore we stock a vast range of aluminium tube lengths that compliment our mesh range perfectly.

Over 50,000 customers of Specialty Metals are provided with fast, friendly customer service every year. We’re the place to try when you need metal of any shape and size. We’re based in Warrington, UK. We pride ourselves on our rapid turnaround and a large range of options.

FAQs About This Product

Could Aluminium U Channel be Anodised?

Aluminum U channels can be anodised to enhance their corrosion resistance, surface hardness, and aesthetic appeal. Anodising is an electrochemical process that thickens and toughens the naturally occurring protective oxide layer on the surface of aluminum. This newly formed anodic oxide layer is both durable and porous, making it receptive to dyes for coloring. As a result, anodised aluminum U channels can be found in a wide range of colors while still retaining the metallic luster of the material. Additionally, anodising provides superior resistance to wear and abrasion, making it an excellent choice for applications where durability and appearance are crucial. However, it’s essential to ensure that the specific alloy of the aluminum U channel is suitable for anodising, as not all aluminum alloys produce consistent or high-quality results.

What’s The Environmental Impact Of Using Aluminium U Channel?

The environmental impact of using aluminum U channels—or aluminum in general—can be understood through various stages of its lifecycle, from production to recycling:

1. Extraction and Production: The primary source of aluminum is bauxite ore. Extracting aluminum from bauxite is energy-intensive, largely because of the electrolytic process used in smelting. This high energy consumption often means significant greenhouse gas emissions, especially if the energy source is fossil fuels.

2. Transport: Aluminum is lightweight, which means transporting it requires less energy compared to heavier metals. This reduces the carbon footprint associated with its transportation.

3. Durability and Longevity: Aluminum is resistant to corrosion, which means products made from it, including U channels, tend to have a longer lifespan than those made from less durable materials. This longevity can lead to reduced replacement and maintenance needs, consequently lowering the environmental impact over time.

4. Recyclability: One of aluminum’s most notable environmental advantages is its recyclability. Aluminum can be recycled indefinitely without loss of quality. The process of recycling aluminum requires only about 5% of the energy used to produce primary aluminum from bauxite. Consequently, using recycled aluminum significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions compared to using newly extracted aluminum.

5. End of Life: Since aluminum is highly recyclable, U channels made from the metal can be melted down and reused at the end of their life, reducing the need for new raw materials and energy for production.

6. Usage in Energy-Efficient Applications: Aluminum’s properties, like its ability to reflect radiant heat, can be leveraged in some applications to improve energy efficiency, like in building and construction.

7. Potential Ecological Impact: Mining bauxite and refining it into aluminum can have direct ecological impacts, including habitat destruction, water pollution, and soil erosion. These impacts are more pronounced in regions where environmental regulations are lax or not stringently enforced.

Can Aluminium U Channel Resist Acidic Or Alkaline Environments?

Aluminum U channels possess a natural oxide layer that offers a degree of protection against many environmental factors, including certain acidic and alkaline conditions. However, the extent of their resistance is largely contingent on the specific acid or base, its concentration, and the duration of exposure. In acidic environments, especially those involving strong acids like hydrochloric acid or sulfuric acid, aluminum can corrode rapidly. Similarly, in strongly alkaline conditions, such as those involving concentrated solutions of sodium hydroxide, aluminum is susceptible to attack. The oxide layer can be dissolved by both extreme pH conditions, exposing the underlying aluminum to further corrosion. That said, in mild acidic or alkaline conditions, especially when the aluminum has been treated (e.g., anodised), the U channel may offer satisfactory performance. However, for applications that involve consistent exposure to aggressive chemicals, it’s vital to understand the specific environment and consider protective coatings or treatments to enhance resistance. Always consult with material experts or manufacturers to determine the suitability of aluminum U channels for specific chemical environments.

Check out our blog discussing different applications for aluminium U channel. It will prove a useful read to help you to make an informed decision on which material would work best for you. 

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