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Architectural aluminum is used when appearance is more important than strength. Extruded architectural channel has sharp, 90 degree angle inside and outside corners and is used in light weight cosmetic applications. In contrast, structural channel focuses primarily on strength over appearance; it will have a less finished look and more rounded corners.

Many different aluminum profile shapes are referred to as channels; however they generally fit into several widely-used categories. These shapes include C-channel and U-channel (the most common architectural channels), J-channel, square and rectangular open seam tubing, hat channel, and almost any other unusually shaped aluminum extrusion profile for which there is no other name, such as Z-channel.

Aluminum channel is considerably less expensive than wood, lighter in weight, insect resistant, and resists warping and cracking from water damage.

Architectural Alloy 6063


Hydro produces alloy 6063, one of the most popular alloys in the 6xxx series, for standard architectural shapes, custom solid shapes and heat sinks, as well as seamless and structural tube and pipe. It is a softer and more formable alloy than 6061, and may require special packaging to protect critical exposed surfaces.

In its heat-treated condition, alloy 6063 provides good corrosion resistance, including resistance to stress corrosion cracking. It is easily welded or brazed by various commercial methods and, while it can be machined, 6063 alloy does not machine as well as harder alloys like 6061.

6063 aluminum channels are typically produced with extremely smooth surfaces that make it easier to anodize or paint, such as in the -T5, -T52, -T53 (matte finish), -T54, -T56 (lustrous finish) tempers. The most common methods are clear, clear and color dying, and bright dipping and hard coat. Bright dipping provides a cost-effective alternative to mechanical polished finishes and offers improved surface durability.

Common uses for architectural channel include:

  • interior and exterior architectural trim
  • window and door frames
  • aluminum casements
  • sliding glass doors
  • framework
  • awnings
  • roofs
  • elevators
  • framing for signs
  • furniture
  • railings
  • glass and mirror projects
  • store fixtures

In the -T5, -T52, and -T6 conditions, alloy 6063 is also used for electrical applications because of its good electrical conductivity.

Hydro Extrusion has 20+ locations and more than 60 extrusion presses across North America, and offers the industry’s broadest product capabilities in press sizes and tonnages (direct and indirect extrusion), alloy selection, circle sizes, profile types and “green” billet.

As the leader in aluminum extrusion stock production, Hydro is able to offer an unsurpassed variety of product choices to meet the needs of our customers’ challenging project requirements. We also pride ourselves on offering the most expansive anodized color and finish palette available for aluminum products.

Visit us for the architectural aluminum channel, aluminum C channel, aluminum U channel, sharp corner channel, or aluminum trim channel your project requires. Choosing Sapa for your next architectural design project means that you will benefit from full development and design services, value engineering, complete structural engineering and full fabrication and assembly consulting.