Reliable Aluminum Curtain Wall Extrusions Supplier in China

Reliable Aluminum Curtain Wall Extrusions Supplier in China

Aluminum Curtain Wall Extrusions: The Ultimate FAQ Guide

This guide answers all your questions about aluminum curtain wall extrusions. Visit Golden Jash for more details.

Whether you’re interested in material grades, features, designs, or quality testing processes, this guide has all the information you need.

What Are Aluminum Curtain Wall Extrusions?

The American Society of Testing and Materials defines a curtain wall as a nonbearing exterior wall secured to and supported by the structural members of a building. Essentially, a curtain wall serves as the facade of the building without bearing any load.

Aluminum curtain wall extrusions are specifically designed from aluminum extrusions, making them the most common and popular choice in the architectural sector.

What Are Aluminum Curtain Wall Extrusions Used For?

Aluminum curtain wall extrusions are widely employed in different architectural applications:

• Building facades
• Construction of green buildings
• Glazing
• Wall cladding
• Building exteriors

How Do You Make Aluminum Curtain Wall Extrusions?

Aluminum curtain wall extrusions are manufactured using the extrusion technique, where an aluminum billet is forced through a die to obtain a specific cross-sectional profile. Aluminum extrusions are then precisely processed through methods like cutting, drilling, notching, or grooving.

Subsequently, the components such as glass insets and aluminum extrusions are assembled, sealed with structural silicone, and prepared for shipping.

Parts of Aluminum Curtain Wall Extrusions

An aluminum curtain wall extrusion mainly consists of the following parts:

• Aluminum extrusion/Mullion – Made from 600 series aluminum alloy, primarily 6061 or 6063.
• Panel materials – Typically glass insets.
• Sealant materials – Structural silicone and other sealants to hold the components together.
• Fixing to the building – Attachments that secure the curtain wall to the building structure.
• Thermal spacers – To allow for expansion and contraction.

Material Grade for Aluminum Curtain Wall Extrusions

The 6000 series aluminum alloys (6061 and 6063) are predominantly used due to their high versatility, strength, and corrosion resistance. While 6061 is known for its strength and heat-treatable properties, 6063 is popular for its tensile strength and superior finishing possibilities.

Surface Treatment Options for Aluminum Curtain Wall Extrusions

Surface treatments like sand anodizing, mill finishing, polishing, and painting enhance the durability and appearance of aluminum curtain wall extrusions.

Sandblasting: Uses high-speed abrasive jets to clean and roughen the surface.

Anodizing: Artificially creates a protective aluminum oxide layer.

Painting: Involves methods like powder coating, dip coating, and electrostatic spraying.

Polishing: Sanding the aluminum extrusion to a shiny finish.

Mill Finish: Aluminum with no surface treatment applied.

Features to Look for in Aluminum Curtain Wall Extrusions

When selecting aluminum curtain wall extrusions, consider the following features:

• Material: Preferably 6000 series aluminum alloys.
• Surface Treatment: Enhances durability and aesthetic appeal.
• Color: Customizable to fit design preferences.
• Assembly Type: Modern unitized systems are preferred for speed and durability.

Available Color Options

Aluminum curtain wall extrusions come in various colors, such as bronze, blue, green, black, white, and beige, which can be customized based on the finish applied.

Strength of Aluminum Curtain Wall Extrusions

Aluminum is remarkably strong and remains resilient even under extreme conditions. Unlike plastic, aluminum becomes stronger at freezing temperatures and boasts a high strength-to-weight ratio.

Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ) for Aluminum Curtain Wall Extrusions

The MOQ for aluminum curtain wall extrusions is 500kg, which allows for cost-effective bulk production.

Design Considerations for Aluminum Curtain Wall Extrusions

Designing aluminum curtain wall extrusions involves several key considerations such as external parameters (e.g., wind pressure), architectural intent, past experiences, project specifications, implementing tested systems, and engineering requirements.

Quality Standards and Certifications

Compliance with quality standards like AA, DAF 45, AAMA, ASTM, CaGBC, CGSB, and CSA ensures high-quality aluminum curtain wall extrusions. Common certifications include ISO, TUV, and GB.

Thermal Breaks in Aluminum Curtain Wall Extrusions

Incorporating thermal breaks enhances condensation resistance and thermal performance. Ideally, thermal breaks are made from polyester reinforced with nylon with a minimum thickness of ¼ inch.

Support for Aluminum Curtain Wall Extrusions

Support mechanisms for stick and unitized aluminum curtain wall extrusion systems vary. Stick systems use mullions with gravity and lateral anchors, while unitized systems employ anchors at each vertical mullion pair.

Maintenance of Aluminum Curtain Wall Extrusions

Regular maintenance extends the lifespan of aluminum curtain wall extrusions. Painted extrusions can be recoated, while anodized ones can be cleaned and treated with a clear coat.

Advantages of Aluminum Extrusions

Aluminum extrusions are preferred for curtain wall frames due to their high strength-to-weight ratio, minimal thermal expansion, ease of assembly, aesthetic features, low maintenance, and various finishing options.

Recycling Aluminum Curtain Wall Extrusions

Aluminum curtain wall extrusions are recyclable at the end of their service life, typically handled by demolition and salvage contractors.

Installation Considerations

Before installing aluminum curtain wall extrusions, ensure that all parts are intact and properly stored. Verify that the installation sequence is followed, quality materials are added if needed, and appropriate sealants and fasteners are used. Lastly, adhere strictly to the installation manual.

Waterproofing Aluminum Curtain Wall Extrusions

To ensure water resistance, the design must address kinetic energy, surface tension, capillary action, gravity, and pressure differences. Effective waterproofing involves frame gaskets, weather stripping, interior sealants, seals, perimeter flashings, drainage, and construction details.

Ensuring Condensation Resistance

Condensation resistance is achieved by ensuring that the surface temperature of aluminum or glass does not fall below the indoor dew point temperature.

Durability Issues

Common durability problems include sealant failure and window system failure. Addressing these issues involves using better-designed sealants and compatible materials.

Emerging Issues

The demand for aluminum curtain wall extrusions is growing, driven by their recyclability and strength. However, challenges such as water and air leakages must be addressed for broader adoption.

Testing Aluminum Curtain Wall Extrusions

Aluminum curtain wall extrusions are tested according to AAMA and ASTM standards, including thermal cycling, water infiltration, seismic displacement, air infiltration, and structural testing.

Features and Functions of Aluminum Curtain Walls

Aluminum curtain walls are popular in architecture due to their lightweight, corrosion resistance, and good aesthetic properties. They are treated with fluorocarbon spraying after pretreatment, providing durability and easy maintenance.

Installation Method

Aluminum plates are transported to the site and connected to the keel using aluminum corners and rivets or screws. The installation starts from the top and moves downward, following the sequence outlined in the installation manual.

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