Aluminum frame: advantages and applications

2024 Author: Henry Conors | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-02-12 02:41

Aluminum profile is used for a variety of purposes. For example, a metal strip is used as a decorative finish, in the assembly of furniture for medical facilities, as well as in the manufacture of trade counters, shop windows and balconies. Also used to create canopies and bicycles. For example, a 20 children's bicycle is made of aluminum. Women's bicycles are equipped with an aluminum frame. They are distinguished by a high degree of strength and lightness. To extend the life of the profile, polymer paint is applied to it.

Glazing of balconies and loggias with aluminum profiles

Aluminum frame for glazing balconies and loggias makes it possible to build a practical and comfortable rest room, office or workshop from an auxiliary room. Additional living space is a boon for small apartments.

Balconies glazed with aluminum profiles are resistant to adverse weather factors, as they have an anti-corrosion property. Metal structureshave unlimited possibilities and various configurations. An aluminum profile for a balcony can have a sliding modification. The window sashes in this case are suspended on rollers and securely fixed in the guides located above and below.

Aluminum structures can include from 2 to 8 flaps that close with snap locks. From the side of the street, such devices cannot be opened.

In order for the balcony aluminum frame to retain heat well, aluminum profiles with special heat-insulating inserts are used. Such windows will serve as reliable protection from wind, hail and rain and create comfort.

Varieties of aluminum glazing

Aluminum balcony frame can be of two types: cold or warm. If you are pursuing the goal of protecting the loggia from precipitation as much as possible, then in this case a cold look will do. Warm glazing creates more comfortable conditions on the loggia and balcony.

Cold glazing prevents the penetration of wind, rain or snow, but cannot serve as protection against low air temperatures. In the warm season, you can dry your laundry on the cold-glazed balcony.

Warm glazing allows you to use the balcony or loggia all year round. For glazing, a profile with a heat-insulating property is used. Thermal inserts of complex configuration reduce the level of thermal conductivity of the aluminum profile, which contributes to the heating of the room.

Pros of glazing balconies or loggias through a profilealuminum

The main advantages of such a process include:

• Lightweight design, making the work of the master easier and ensures its quick installation. The light weight of the configuration is able to withstand even some types of metal railings.
• Fire resistant.
• Movement that makes no noise.
• Closing and opening the sashes by extension, which is provided by means of special slides. This design has gained particular popularity.
• High level of user comfort and safety.
• Saving usable space.
• Wide range of colors.
• Rust resistance and durability.
• Possibility of glazing the balcony beyond the parapet. This option is suitable for small balconies.

Cons of an aluminum profile

Aluminum profile frame has a number of disadvantages:

• Low sound insulation due to insufficient sealing. As the temperature changes, aluminum contracts and expands. Such fluctuations can provoke deformation of the profile at the junction with the wall.
• Latch locks freeze through in winter, making it extremely difficult to open the doors.

Installation of aluminum sliding windows

Aluminum sliding windows are mounted in the same way as other windows made of wood or plastic. When installing the structure, it is necessary to check the integrity of all components, identify defects, chips and damage to anothercharacter.

Installation steps

Installing an aluminum frame involves the following steps:

• Installation of guides that move the sash. The dimensions of the length and height of the sides of the structure are taken. The profile is cut to size, then the fitting operation is carried out.
• The rails are fixed to the frame with screws.
• The double-glazed window is being inserted. Rollers for sliding are attached at the bottom.
• Sealing material is being attached to the frame flaps.
• Sashes are mounted in guides located above and below.
• The sashes are adjusted by tightening the screws at the bottom of the profile.

Basic installation steps

• The window frame is being installed in the window opening. It is fixed with wedges.
• The aluminum frame is leveled with a measuring tool.
• The holes needed for fasteners are drilled in the frame.
• According to the marks made in the wall, holes are drilled for attaching the frame.
• Anchor plates are inserted, fastened with dowels to the wall. The frame is being fixed.

Giving the window the necessary tightness

For sealing the window, a low tide and a window sill are mounted. For this purpose, the following operations are carried out:

• the perimeter of the outer part of the frame is glued with a special tape;
• shine is screwed to the bottom of the frame;
• the gaps between the frame and the ebb are covered with foam formounting;
• after the foam hardens, its excess is removed;
• the window sill is being installed in the groove located at the bottom of the frame;
• windows are adjusted according to the level of the window sill;
• all cracks are treated with construction foam;
• fill gaps between window sill and frame with sealant.

The final stage of window installation is the installation of double-glazed windows, hanging the sashes and adjusting the fittings. The installation of the package requires the participation of two masters.

All adjustment imperfections are eliminated by means of a special hexagon.

The tool is inserted into the screws for adjustment. This is how the frames are adjusted, which should fit snugly.

Using an aluminum frame in bicycle production

Many are wondering if a steel or aluminum bike frame is better. A few years ago, it was the steel frame that was very popular. Throughout the history of bicycle production, steel construction technology has been perfected to the limit.

In recent decades, when creating bicycles, such types of steel have been used in which chromium and molybdenum are included as alloying components. Such frames are called "chrome-molybdenum". Sometimes cheaper steel grades are used.

Pros of steel frames

An important advantage of this frame is its high level of suitability for repair. In the event of a malfunction, the structure can be restored usingconventional welding. Another positive quality of the design is that it can cushion the bike on rough roads, dampening vibrations and bumps.

Cons of steel frames

The disadvantages of steel frames include heavy weight and susceptibility to rust. New devices are always coated with enamel paint to protect against corrosion. But during use, such a coating can be damaged. Therefore, it is recommended to check such a frame once a year and paint over the damaged areas with a paint and varnish coating. In order to protect the internal cavity made of steel from rusting, it is recommended to treat the frame of a new bicycle with an anti-corrosion coating.

Features of aluminum frames

In recent years, aluminum-framed bicycles have become increasingly popular. The alloys used to make bicycles are marked with a four-digit number (for example, 6061 or 7005). There is an opinion that a higher number is an indicator of better quality. In fact, the number is just an indication of the composition of the alloy. So, magnesium, silicon and copper are included in aluminum under the number 6061. Zinc has been added to the 7005 series.

The biggest advantage of an aluminum frame over a steel frame is its light weight. Aluminum frames are made thicker to match the strength of steel, yet still lightweight.

The aluminum frame rusts less, but when driving in the winter along city streets treated with s alt and various reagents,rusting can cause deformation and breakage of the frame. If the bike is used in winter, it should be washed more often.

Several years ago, it was widely believed that an aluminum frame is less reliable than a steel counterpart. But the production technology is in constant development, and now firms give the same guarantee for an aluminum frame as for a steel frame. Any mechanism is subject to serious damage, but an aluminum frame can break only in a serious accident. The same applies to the steel product.

The disadvantages of aluminum frames include higher cost and limited maintainability. Repairing an aluminum alloy is difficult. Argon welding is required to repair a frame like this.

An important feature of this design is the high level of rigidity, which makes the bike very easy to handle. But at the same time, aluminum is not able to soften bumps, so these bikes are equipped with additional shock-absorbing devices. The women's bike with an aluminum frame is considered the most optimal model, as it is easy to handle.

Conclusion

The aluminum profile has a number of undeniable advantages. It is practically not subject to rust, it is durable. The most important plus is its light weight, which makes it convenient to use.

Designs are used in various fields. Often used for glazing balconies and loggias, as well as in the productionbicycles.