Lightweight, corrosion-resistant hollow extrusions available in structural (6061-T6) and architectural (6063-T6) grades, offering excellent strength-to-weight ratios and 95% recyclability for sustainable construction applications
01 Physical
Density2700kg/m³
Specific gravity2.7unitless
Porosity0%
Water absorption0%
Hardness84HB
UV resistanceExcellent - No degradation under UV
Chemical resistanceGood (pH 4-9) - Passive oxide layer protection
pH tolerance4.0-9.0 pHpH
Surface roughness2μm
02 Mechanical
Tensile strength275MPa
Compressive strength260MPa
Flexural strength285MPa
Shear strength177.5MPa
Poisson's ratio0.33unitless
Impact resistanceGood - Maintains properties at low temperatures
Creep resistanceGood below 150°C - Temperature dependent
03 Thermal
Thermal conductivity184W/m·K
Specific heat898J/kg·K
Thermal expansion23.5x10⁻⁶/°C
04 Compliance & Fire First question
Combustibility classNon-combustible
Fire resistance levelNon-combustible
Ignition tempNot applicable°C
Flame spread index0
Smoke dev. index0
Heat release rate0kW/m²
05 Sustainability & Health
Embodied carbon1.8-8.2kg CO₂e/kg
Carbon footprint1.8-8.2kg CO₂e/kg
Embodied energy20-170MJ/kg
Water footprint1.2-125L/kg
Recyclability100%
Recycled content20-80%
Renewable content0%
Circular score9out of 10
VOC emissions0g/L
Toxicity ratingNon-toxic
LEED contributionMR Credits 2-4
06 Durability · Cost · Logistics
Expected lifespan50+years
Maintenance intervalAnnual inspection
Warranty period10-25years
Material cost (range)$8-25/kg
Material cost (per unit)$30-90/metre
Lead time1-14days
Lifecycle cost$100-300/metre
Annual maintenance$0-5/m²
Market availabilityReadily available
07 Assessment
Advantages
Excellent strength-to-weight ratio (tensile strength 240-310 MPa)
Superior corrosion resistance in marine environments
95% energy savings through recycling
Non-combustible - suitable for all BAL ratings
No VOC emissions during service life
Termite and rot resistant
Excellent thermal and electrical conductivity
Precision dimensional tolerances per AS/NZS 1866
Wide range of surface finishes available
100% recyclable at end of life
Constraints
Higher initial cost than steel ($30-90/metre typical)
Lower elastic modulus than steel (69 GPa vs 200 GPa)
Requires specialised welding techniques (TIG/MIG)
Galvanic corrosion risk with dissimilar metals
Limited availability of large diameter heavy wall sections
Thermal expansion 2x that of steel
Surface scratching more visible than painted steel
Fatigue strength lower than steel
Requires isolation from concrete to prevent corrosion
08 Applications
A1Structural frameworks and space frames
A2Architectural handrails and balustrades
A3Curtain wall and facade systems
A4Solar panel mounting structures
A5Marine and coastal applications
A6HVAC ducting and ventilation systems
A7Temporary structures and scaffolding
A8Automotive and transport applications
A9Greenhouse and agricultural structures
A10Signage and display systems
09 Sources & Standards
Sources pending — citations for this material are not yet recorded.
Verify all figures against manufacturer data and current standards
before specifying.
Currently living and working on the land of the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung
People.
We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of this land, whose
sovereignty was never ceded, and pay our respect to their enduring
connection to Country.