Aluminium Channel

Aluminium channel can be defined by various properties and dimensions. Dimensions include the width (the dimension across the ‘base’ of the U-channel) and the height of each leg (the uprights of the U-channel).

U-channel aluminium can be described as ‘equal’ or ‘unequal’. An equal channel has the same dimensions for base width and leg height, while an unequal channel has a base width greater than the leg height.

We supply aluminium channel with varying wall thickness – the thickness of the metal making up the channel itself, as measured across the centre of the base.

All these dimensions can be defined in metric or Imperial, with base widths between 12.7mm and 152.4mm or 1/2” and 6”, and leg heights between 12.7mm and 76.2mm or 1/2” and 3”. Wall thicknesses available range from 1.5mm to 6.4mm, or 16swg and 3swg.

Any aluminium channel can also be supplied cut to any specific length, defined in millimetres.

Once you’ve defined the dimensions of your aluminium channel, you can order it in large or small quantities, and each order basket can contain multiple batches of product to different dimensions. So you can minimise fabrication, cutting and wastage before your metal arrives at your jobsite or home – it will be exactly the form, size and dimensions you need.

And if you need a form of aluminium channel that you can’t specify from the options in our store, don’t hesitate to contact us. We can work with our suppliers to get non-standard products that aren’t listed in our store.

Aluminium channel has a wide range of uses, ranging from the cosmetic to the very practical, in all kinds of sectors.

It’s often used in construction and interior fitting out for lighting and cable runs. It can form the main structure of assemblies like window and door frames, rails for sliding doors and drawers or curtains.

U-channel aluminium is also a common choice for frames in items of furniture like tables, chairs and shelves.

Fabricators often make use of aluminium channel for making and installing industrial equipment, like assembly line and production equipment, conveyors and other machine frames. It is also a good choice for supporting outdoor equipment such as lighting, security cameras or solar panels.

The big attractions of aluminium channel as a material are its high strength to weight ratio and its resistance to corrosion.

All the aluminium channel supplied by Rapid Metals is 6000 series specification. This is the most common grade of commercial aluminium.

For a given weight of material, aluminium channel can support a greater load than steel. This is especially the case when aluminium is formed or extruded into channel section, which adds to the inherent strength of the metal over plain flat bar form. So where both load capacity and overall weight is a factor, aluminium channel is ideal. This is why it is such a popular choice for lighting support brackets or furniture.

Aluminium doesn’t corrode away like mild steel – a surface layer of oxidation will form when exposed to moist air or damp, which will then protect the metal underneath. However, where continual immersion in water, or exposure to saltwater and other corrosive environments is anticipated, 5000 series aluminium would offer better anti-corrosion performance.

Aluminium channel made from 6000 series metal responds very well to machining, milling, turning, drilling and tapping. It chips well under machining, producing clean and accurate cuts without propagating cracks or other flaws.

Our aluminium channel is also good for welding, brazing and soldering.

Aluminium, especially 6000 series metal, is not well suited to bending or cold forming. The channel is formed when the metal is extruded, but bending it will promote cracking and risks greatly weakening the metal.