Aluminium makes it possible to give the product suitable physical and mechanical properties at the same time as achieving an aesthetically  attractive appearance.  Furthermore, the extrusion technique, combined with the right alloy and proper thermal treatment, offers an infinite number of application opportunities. 

It also forms the basis for product improvement.  Pure aluminium is only used in a limited way commercially.  The majority of extrusions are made from aluminium alloyed with other metals.  The most common elements used are magnesium (Mg), silicon (Si), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu).  They form between 0.2 and 7.0 percent of the alloys.

The 6000 series has good extrudability and can be solution heat treated at the extrusion temperature. Furthermore, these alloys have medium to high strength, are easy to weld and offer good resistance to corrosion, even in marine environments.  The bulk of the extruded material for load bearing constructions is made from these qualities.  They are used for load bearing constructions both on land and at sea.

• The 6060 alloy offers medium strength and is easy to extrude even for complicated cross-sections.  This alloy is the most used extrusion alloy.  It has good formability during bending in the non heat treated condition.  Typical applications are extrusions for windows and doors, lighting, awnings, handrails and furniture.  This material is highly suitable for anodising, both for decorative and protective reasons.
• The 6005 alloy has higher strength than 6063 but is slightly harder to extrude.  The material withstands comparatively little elongation before there is permanent deformation in the heat treated condition.  This alloy can be exposed to greater inter-crystalline corrosion than 6063 and 6082.  It is suitable for anodising for protective purposes but the quality of the surface makes decorative finishing more difficult.
• The 6082 alloy has high strength and is suitable for extrusion of cross-sections that are not too complicated.  Typical applications are load carrying structures in the ship, offshore, transport and building industries, such as platforms, bridges, stairs, scaffolds and handrails.  The material is suitable for anodising for protective purposes.