Moulding the future

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In an age where structures are taking on more complex forms, and iconic buildings with sophisticated blueprints continue to be considered a status symbol among developing economies, construction professionals and interior designers are continuously in search of methods that will allow them to create innovative designs, while offering innumerable options, without compromising on aesthetics, strength and purpose. Given these factors, extruded aluminium is gaining widespread popularity.

Aluminium in the Middle East

Aluminium is a key industry in the Gulf because of its close affiliation with both construction and real estate. This sector has managed to remain productive despite the recent financial crisis, due to ongoing construction work across the region. Several far-sighted developers are taking advantage of an estimated 40% drop in construction costs since the last quarter of 2008 to push projects during the slowdown; this has had a positive domino effect on the materials segment.

There have been a number of noticeable developments as aluminium has assumed a greater role as an integral component in the initial and finishing phases of construction. For one, the material is increasingly being used in the external parts of buildings, such as gates, gardens and arches, in order to lend a more aesthetic look.

Another trend is the heavy investments being made by governments across the Gulf to expand their aluminium industries, both upstream and downstream. There is a growing consensus on the need to build an integrated regional industry to gain a bigger share of global primary aluminium production, which the Gulf currently holds 5.3% of.

Aluminium extrusion

The process of extruding aluminium involves a billet of aluminium being pushed by a ram through a die land that is the desired product shape. It is the preferred method to manufacture continuous complex profile shapes for interior design purposes and to be used in several important industries, including construction, aeronautics and automotive. Known for its excellent fabricating properties, extruded aluminium is widely used in modern structures to improve the appearance of a product.

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The advantages of extruded aluminium take effect even before it is used in designing the interiors of a structure. For one, it can be produced in large quantities in a short period of time, which will ensure that companies will break even at a faster pace. Further benefits that can be derived from using extruded aluminium from an interior design perspective are detailed below:

Malleability: Extruded aluminium is easy to mould into shape, and can be bent or moulded to very tight radii without the use of any special tooling or machinery. The very nature of the material means it is easy to drill and fix. The extra accuracy of the extrusions process makes the joining of two identical parts very efficient.

Corrosion free, great conductivity: As far as anti-corrosion properties, extruded aluminium is resistant to corrosion due to its extra layer of oxide film. Aluminium is also a great conductor of electricity – far better than the heavier copper – and can even be used as a heat conductor or as a heat reflector in heat shields.

Accurate and cost effective: Extrusion produces a very accurate match across the entire length of the extrusion and any extra pieces, with little wastage, adding to the cost efficiency of the process.

Light but strong: Aluminium is known for being lightweight, particularly in relation to other popular metals such as steel and copper, which are over twice as heavy. However, its weight does not take away from its inherent strength.

Aluminium is a preferred material among contractors and designers due to its various advantageous properties, such as its ability to resist high moisture, sound and heat, as well as its natural air conduction, which lessens the need for air conditioning. Aluminium also has a significant edge in terms of production and distribution. Production is very cost-efficient due to the availability of cheap natural gas feedstock and the accompanying low-priced labour.

The Middle East also has excellent port facilities for exporting, and aluminium is easy and convenient to ship. These factors are fostering the continuous growth of extruded aluminium in the interior design market, among other sectors.

Modar Al Mekdad is general manager of Gulf Extrusions.