The healthcare sector is undergoing major changes. Europe is ageing rapidly: the number of people aged 65 and older is expected to rise from 90.5 million in 2019 to nearly 130 million by 2050. This demographic shift is driving demand for medical devices, hospital furnishings and home‑care solutions. Manufacturers are looking for materials that are lightweight, strong, hygienic and sustainable — and aluminium extrusion delivers exactly that.
Extrusion makes it possible to create profiles with complex shapes and integrated functionalities. Cable channels, fastening grooves and stiffening ribs can be incorporated directly into the profile. This reduces the number of separate components, saving weight, lowering costs and speeding up assembly. For medical applications, this results not only in functional and reliable solutions, but also in products that meet the highest hygiene and sterilisation standards.
Aluminium extrusions are used in hospital beds, diagnostic equipment, wheelchairs and fitness frames. Thanks to their excellent strength‑to‑weight ratio and corrosion resistance, these products remain lightweight, robust and easy to clean. In addition, aluminium is fully recyclable, making it an ideal choice in a market increasingly driven by sustainability and ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) objectives.
For medical and fitness environments, surface hygiene is critical. Anodizing is often essential to meet strict hygiene requirements: it makes aluminium more scratch resistant, preventing micro scratches where bacteria could accumulate. This ensures a durable, cleanable surface that withstands frequent disinfection. Powder coating is also possible and provides a closed, protective layer that enhances both aesthetics and cleanability.
Hydro offers extrusions in a wide range of aluminium alloys, each with specific mechanical and surface‑performance characteristics, such as:
6082 – Strong and cost‑efficient, ideal for diagnostic frames, transport structures and laboratory equipment. Easy to machine and highly corrosion‑resistant.
6063 – Known as the “architectural alloy” thanks to its excellent surface quality and corrosion resistance. Ideal for lightweight diagnostic frames, portable medical housings, wheelchair components and support rails. This alloy combines an attractive finish with good manufacturability and is a favorite where design and hygiene come together.
The healthcare market demands innovative solutions: precision extrusions for medical robots, profiles suitable for cleanrooms, and integration of smart sensors and cable management. Hydro combines technical expertise with sustainable materials, ensuring your products meet the highest standards while contributing to a circular economy.
With Hydro CIRCAL® and Hydro Low-carbon, you choose extrusions with a low CO₂-footprint — combining performance with responsibility.
At Hydro, you get more than just profiles. We provide complete solutions: from design and die development to machining, surface treatment and assembly. We help you move from idea to product faster, with a strong focus on quality, hygiene and sustainability.
Want to learn how aluminium extrusions can enhance your medical or revalidation products?
Contact our experts for advice, co‑design and prototyping. Together, we create solutions ready for the future.
