Aluminum Angle

When looking for the perfect hardware for use with braces, frameworks, truck beds, support trailers and numerous other applications, architects and construction engineers increasingly turn to extruded aluminum angles. Second in popularity only to steel, aluminum is a common basis for angle stock. In addition to being impervious to insects and corrosion, an aluminum angle is light in weight and will not warp or crack in the presence of water. Apart from their L-shaped cross sections, angles can differ from each other in several ways depending on their purpose. Their legs can be of equal or unequal lengths. Their angle of bend may measure less than the usual 90 degrees. They can vary not only in temper but also in the particular alloys of which they are composed.

Most applications call for the structural grade of angle stock. Made of the 6061 series of aluminum alloy, this grade is not only easy to weld and machine but strong and amenable to heat treatment. The architectural grade of angle stock, on the other hand, has a smoother and easily anodized surface. Although made of 6063 series alloy and barely half as strong as the structural grade, its finished appearance favors use with decorative trim and molding, furniture, windows and doors.