– By AS Ganesan
In the ever-evolving arena of the building and construction (B&C) industry, innovation stands as a driving force, profoundly influencing business practices and outcomes. Among the transformative technologies reshaping the sector, aluminium extrusion emerges as a standout, fundamentally altering the approach to designing and fabricating complex structures and components. The process of aluminium extrusion entails shaping aluminium by coercing it through a die to craft precise cross-sectional profiles tailored to exact specifications. Renowned for its versatility and efficiency, aluminium extrusion has heralded a new era of advancement in construction and transportation, delivering unparalleled benefits in terms of strength, lightweight properties, and sustainability.
Applications of Aluminium Extrusion in Building and Construction Sector
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Aluminium constitutes a substantial portion of fully constructed buildings, whether they are residential or commercial. In today’s construction and infrastructure landscape, aluminium is replacing multiple source materials due to its extensive utility across various end-use applications in this sector.
Now, let’s delve into each of the end-use applications facilitated by aluminium extrusions:
External Facades
As urbanization surges with population growth and increased migration to cities, the demand for smarter construction solutions is on the rise. This shift toward taller buildings and high rises has prompted a significant use of aluminium extrusion profiles in modern facades. Architects opt for aluminium due to its capacity to create lighter, stronger, and more customizable structures, enhancing efficiency in construction projects.
Doors and Windows
Aluminium doors and windows offer impeccably crafted end products, boasting exceptional resistance to corrosion. Windows crafted from aluminium extrusions remain crack and swell-proof, maintaining their integrity in all seasons. Aluminium extrusions allow for bespoke designs and contemporary finishes, enhanced through processes like powder coating and anodizing.
Formworks
Aluminium formwork systems are highly efficient and user-friendly, offering exceptional stability and safety on construction sites. With excellent ROI, they can be reused up to 300 times, making them superior to other metal alternatives.
Scaffoldings
Aluminium scaffolding systems feature reinforced tubes for durability and stability, with optional outriggers for added strength. They offer enhanced versatility and efficiency on construction sites, with more cross braces for easy assembly and tear-down.
Roofing and Cladding
Aluminium extrusions play crucial roles in roofing and cladding systems, offering strength and stability while reducing overall weight. Their reflective properties enhance energy efficiency, minimizing heat gain and cooling loads. In cladding, aluminium profiles provide durability, weather resistance, and easy installation. These systems offer insulation and aesthetic appeal, making them popular in modern construction.
Advantages Offered by Aluminium Extrusion
Aluminium extrusion offers several advantages in building and construction industry:
Lightweight: Aluminium is significantly lighter than other metals, making it easier to transport, handle, and install on construction sites. This reduces labor and transportation costs.
Strength: Despite its lightweight nature, aluminium extrusions are strong and durable, providing structural integrity to buildings and constructions.
Corrosion Resistance: Aluminium is naturally resistant to corrosion, making it suitable for use in various environmental conditions without compromising its structural integrity.
Versatility: Aluminium extrusions can be easily shaped, cut, and formed into complex profiles, allowing for versatile design possibilities in construction projects.
Thermal Conductivity: Aluminium has excellent thermal conductivity, making it ideal for applications where heat transfer and insulation are important considerations.
Sustainability: Aluminium is a highly sustainable material as it is fully recyclable with no loss of properties, contributing to environmentally friendly construction practices. Also, recycling aluminium consumes as much as 95% less energy compared to producing it from ore, thereby mitigating emissions, including greenhouse gases.
Aesthetic Appeal: Aluminium extrusions offer a sleek and modern aesthetic, enhancing the visual appeal of architectural designs and building facades.
Cost-Effective: Despite its initial investment, aluminium extrusions offer long-term cost savings due to their durability, low maintenance requirements, and energy-efficient properties.
Final Say
Globally, the aluminium extrusion market size is projected to reach $118.7 billion by 2027. In India, the market was valued at $1.3 billion in 2019 and is anticipated to reach $2.5 billion by 2027, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.3% from 2020 to 2027. Aluminium extrusion is a game-changer in the realms of building and construction, offering versatility, efficiency, and a host of advantages. As we continue to push the boundaries of innovation and sustainability, aluminium extrusion stands out as a beacon of progress, shaping the future of essential industries in more ways than we can imagine. Embracing this technology can lead us forward to a more sustainable tomorrow.
(AS Ganesan is the Associate Vice President – Domestic Marketing and Sales at Jindal Aluminium.)
(Disclaimer: Views expressed are personal and do not reflect the official position or policy of Financial Express Online. Reproducing this content without permission is prohibited.)
From: financialexpress
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