The aluminium used for the extrusion of profiles, usually contain between 92% and 99% pure aluminium. The addition of certain elements such as silicon, copper, zinc, magnesium, manganese and zirconium, give aluminium specific characteristics with regard to surface quality, strength, loadability and conductivity. The below overview lists the alloys processed by Nedal and their possible applications.
The medium-strength alloy EN AW-6005A is generally used for load-bearing structural components. Typical applications include ladders, structural components for trains and trucks, offshore applications, etc. With accurate control of the process conditions and the specific alloy composition, Nedal can achieve an optimal grain structure in the metal for exceptional characteristics under static and dynamic loads.
The alloy EN AW-6060 is widely used for extrusion and is suitable for applications where no special strength properties are required. Profiles of very high surface quality and suitable for a range of different surface treatments are possible. It is extensively used for architectural components, covering profiles, automotive applications, window and door frames, façade construction and in the food industry. Due to the excellent formability, complex profiles can be produced with high dimensional precision. The same characteristics also apply to the slightly stronger alloy EN AW-6063.
EN AW-6061 is a medium-strength alloy that is used in heavily loaded structures such as scaffolding components, semi-permanent structures (tents), containers, machine parts, aerospace applications and ship masts. The final strength can be achieved without water quenching after extrusion, which contributes to the dimensional stability and precision.
The alloy EN AW-6063 is widely used for extrusion and is suitable for applications where no special strength properties are required. Profiles of very high surface quality and suitable for a range of different surface treatments are possible. It is extensively used for architectural components, covering profiles, automotive applications, window and door frames, façade construction, motor pumphousing, lighting columns and flagpoles, and in the food industry. Due to the excellent formability, complex profiles can be produced with high dimensional precision.
The alloy EN AW-6082 is excellent for highly loaded structural applications, for example in train carriages, marine applications such as helidecks and offshore platforms, containers and mobile cranes. Due to the fine-grained metal structure, the alloy has excellent resistance against dynamic loads and a high fatigue strength. This alloy is highly corrosion resistant and is certified for maritime use.
For applications in which electrical conductivity is important, Nedal supplies the alloy EN AW-6101B. The heat treatment can be optimised for the desired conductivity or the specified strength level. The alloy is used in busbars in transformer stations as well as heat sink profiles.
The 6106 alloy is an extrusion alloy designed to provide an optimum combination of mechanical properties, complexity of shape, minimum section thickness and good surface finish together with the good resistance, weldability and formability. Very complex shapes are possible, which cannot be not obtained with stronger alloys such as 6082. The minor addition of Mn serves to refine the metal structure, thus enhancing formalibilty and surface quality after subsequent forming operations. The alloy EN AW-6106 is suitable for applications where modest strength properties are required. Typical application fields are carbody- and train parts.
EN AW-7003 is a high-strength alloy for structural components with mechanical properties that are comparable to EN AW-6082, however without the alloy needing to be quenched after extrusion. Applications include lifts, mobile cranes and air cargo containers. The strength loss due to welding in this alloy can be restored by natural hardening to approx. 90% of the original value.
The weldable alloy EN AW-7020 is a high strength alloy for very heavily loaded parts. Due to the relatively low formability of this alloy, the complexity of the profile geometry is somewhat limited (although simple hollow profiles are possible). Among other allications, this alloy is used for mobile cranes, air cargo containers, pump housings, machine parts and the mining industry. This alloy also exhibits partial restoration of the mechanical properties after welding.
This is the strongest standard alloy that Nedal supplies. It is suitable for very heavily loaded structures, such as such as in transport, elevators, containers and mobile cranes. It is most suitable for simple forms, but hollow profiles are possible in some cases. With careful process management during extrusion and optimal heat treatment, a tensile strength of 400 MPa can be guaranteed.