The Ultimate Guide to Choosing Aluminium Profiles for Kitchen Cabinets

Because kitchen is the core of modern home, the design of kitchen cabinets is not only about the rational utilization of space, but also has an impact on the quality of life of occupants. Aluminum profiles are used more and more in the manufacture of kitchen cabinets because of the light weight, corrosion resistance and easy processing. The objective of this guide is to present a comprehensive and orderly guidance for selection of aluminum profiles, and we hope to process the information for material properties, design optimization and application optimization, providing a scientific and factual reference for the industry practitioners and consumers.

Aluminium is one of the most common materials used throughout the world to make containers, vehicles and frame parts.

The mechanical properties of aluminum profiles are mainly determined by the grade of aluminum alloy. Its application environment is different, the role is different, such as strength, hardness, corrosion resistance and so on, its aluminum alloy selection is also different. The grade selection is crucial to ensure the cabinet structure's strength and longevity.

6063 Aluminum Alloy: One of the most popular aluminum alloy grades that provides good extrusion performance, corrosion resistance and welding performance is suitable for most kitchen cabinet parts, including frames, door profiles and decorative strips. It has moderate strength, easy surface treatment, can satisfy the function of different design needs.

6061 aluminum alloy: The strength of 6061 aluminum alloy is greater than that of 6063 aluminum alloy, especially in heat treatment state. This kind of Aluminum alloy grade is a for kitchen cabinet parts, that require a weight-bearing structure, like, drawer slide bearing structure, heavy electrical load structure and so forth. It should be noted that when selecting 6061 aluminum alloy, its welding performance is poor, so a more suitable bonding method should be adopted.

5052 aluminum alloy: Good rust resistance—5052 aluminum alloy has strong performance against seawater corrosion, suitable for coastal areas or high humidity kitchen environment This is slightly lower than 6061 aluminum alloy in terms of strength, but it is far more valuable for uses in specific environments due to its better resistance to corrosion.

When it comes to the mechanical properties of aluminum profile, we should focus more on the following indices.

UTS: Indicates that the ultimate tensile stress of the material will counteract breaking while in the tensile process So the load-bearing capacity of the aluminium profile is higher.

Yield strength (YS): It is the stress value at which a material starts permanently deforming.Remove the stress lines in both niches. High yield strength can ensure that the aluminum profile is not easy to deform, so that the stability of the structure.

Elongation (%): This value represents the amount of plastic deformation that was formed in the component at the point of failure. So, aluminum profiles are more tolerant to impact and bending, making its toughness higher.

Aluminum profile mechanical performance must be test national standard (such as: GB / T 5237), and the design and safe request.

Aluminum profile design;Structural optimization :improving utilization space and bearing capacity;

In geometric design of aluminum sections, it is general that the section design will affect its mechanical behaviors, material usage and appearance. It means you can use less material and utilize space better without any impact on strength.

With a high degree of versatility in design, common aluminum section shapes (rectangle, circle, C-type, T-type, etc.) can be chosen as appropriate section shape according to specific application scenario. For instance, flat support structures use rectangular sections while C-sections are useful for attaching functional components like slides, and T-sections are useful for connecting panels and frames.

1) Reinforcement bar design: for aluminum profile, resisting bending performance and resisting torsion performance can be effectively improved through reinforcement bar adding inside section; therefore when optimize placement of reinforcement bar, the number and placement of those should base on stress condition; For example, increasing the number of the reinforcement bars or applying a more complex reinforcement structure on the stress concentration area programmaticaly.

Optimized wall thickness distribution: A reasonable wall thickness distribution can give full play to the utilization rate of materials. Increase wall thickness where the force is large; Decrease wall thickness in less force parts.

It is also necessary to use special finite element analysis software (for example, ANSYS) to simulate the force of aluminum profiles and optimize the section design of aluminum profiles, so that the structure is safe and stable.

Aluminum profile surface processing and color selection: both beautiful and durable

Aluminum profile surface treatment not only determines its aesthetic elevation, but also has an important influence on its corrosion resistance, wear resistance and easy cleaning.

This oxide layer is usually formed using electrolytic processes (this is called anodizing). The anodized aluminum profile has the benefits of high hardness, wear resistance, corrosion resistance, and a variety of colors to ensure the needs of different design.

Powder spraying: The powder coating is sprayed on the surface of aluminum profile and cured by high temperature baking. Spray powder coating due to good color, uniform coating, pollution-free, non-toxic, apply to the color and the surface of the kitchen cabinet to the texture requirements.

Board Wood Grain Transfer: Transfer the type of wood grain on the surface of the aluminum profile, allowing it to complement the natural wood texture and the superior performance of aluminum. Wood grain transfer technology may even be applied to give kitchen cabinets a homely, natural look.

And, the surface treatment and color must be selected to match the kitchen style as a whole. The dark aluminium profile sees a more calm and atmospheric feel and the light coloured aluminium profile being more fresh and bright.

The connection and installation process of aluminum profile in order to stabilize the structure making easy to maintain.

Strong Aluminium Frame Structure – the interconnection method of aluminium profiles will directly affect the overall strength and stability of the cabinet and whether it is convenient to maintain.

Connect and work: Corner code, bolt connection, simple and comfortable, convenient and quick installation and disassembly. Corner Code is weak form small force component suitable for won.

It is a way of fastening using bolts to spare two aluminum profiles. This means that it is a more robust knot that can support larger loads.

It is commonly used for structural elements that demand significant strength-connectivity and rigidity. Welding is an area with a specific application, requiring professional devices and technology deployed, which is more costly.

Mortise and tenon connection: Mortise and tenon connection, beautiful and generous, for the appearance requirements of the kitchen cabinet is higher.

In short, the installation operation must be carried out according to the design drawings and construction specifications to ensure the connection stability and structure safety.

Characteristics related to kitchen furnishing amenities: water conservation and clean rooms.

The kitchen environment is full of moisture, while the oil fume is very heavy. Choosing a high quality aluminum profile should emphasize moisture-proof, easy to cleaning factors.

Use aluminum alloy grades with excellent corrosion resistance: to make aluminum profile is common 5052 aluminum alloy, aluminum alloy with the special surface treatment.

The waterproof sealing design : connection the part adopts waterproof sealant or the sealing strip, avoided the water infiltration.

Surface treatment method with a smooth surface and not easy to be contaminated with oil: such as anodizing or powder spraying.

Cleaning and maintenance recommendations: Clean the profile with neutral detergent and dry.

Conclusion

This guide looks into choosing aluminum profiles for kitchen cabinets, from a material properties perspective to design considerations and optimized end-use applications. The scientific and rational selection and design are done to maximize the advantages of aluminum profiles, to design safe, durable and beautiful modern kitchen cabinets, so as to promote the quality improvement of the occupants. Afterwards, it can cover R&D of new high-performance aluminium alloy materials, intelligent kitchen cabinet design and redevelopment of aluminium profiles with sustainable application, and will become a more powerful force to promote the development of kitchen cabinet industry.