Aluminium U-profile white (RAL 9016)

Aluminium u-profiles in white for edging

Robust powder coating ✓ UV & weather resistant ✓ Corrosion resistant ✓

Our powder-coated aluminium u-profiles in white (RAL 9016) are made of aluminium (EN AW 6063 T6), which is characterised by outstanding resistance to corrosion. The scratch-resistant powder coating is UV and weather-resistant, so that the white surfaces do not yellow over time. We offer the end profiles for panel thicknesses of 3m, 6mm or 8mm and lengths of one or two metres at reasonable prices. The white u-profiles made of solid aluminium are suitable for laminating cut edges in exterior façade cladding with HPL or aluminium composite, the core of which is usually very dark and therefore stands out very strongly. In addition, the lightweight and robust profiles are also suitable for countless other areas of application in interior design, be it as a finish for steps covered with carpet or laminate, as a tile edge in bathrooms or as a finish for shower walls or tiled mirrors in the kitchen.

Like all our façade profiles, we also use solid aluminium extrusion with a material thickness of 1.1mm for the u-profiles in white. This enables us to achieve both very good inherent rigidity, which is particularly noticeable with thin-walled panel materials, and an unobtrusive transition from the panel surface to the end profile. In addition, the very small height difference makes it much easier to clean the surfaces.

NOTE: The powder-coated profiles for edge coverings on outer edges with a clamping range of 3mm, 6mm or 8mm are available in standard lengths of 2005mm as well as in one metre lengths. In addition, the white aluminium profiles are also available as H-profiles in identical clamping ranges and lengths.

Properties of the u-profile with powder coating in white

The colour and gloss level of our white solid aluminium edging profiles match our high-pressure laminates and are suitable for countless indoor and outdoor applications. The colour, which is very similar to RAL colour 9016 (white), can also be used to cover the edges of white aluminium composite panels and to cover the cut edges of white panels made of BAS, polystyrene or PVC without the different shade of white being too noticeable. As a façade profile that is primarily used outdoors, protection against corrosion is extremely important. For this reason, the profiles are made from a very high-quality EN AW 6063 T6 alloy, which also allows for a low profile thickness of just 1.1mm and still has very good inherent rigidity. We also make no compromises when it comes to powder coating. We use a special paint that has outstanding resistance to UV radiation and weathering so that the profile remains white even in intense sunlight and does not yellow over time.

The end profiles have a clamping range of 3mm, 6mm or 8mm, depending on the selection. However, the actual clamping range is 0.5mm higher and is also necessary, as fluctuations in the panel thickness are common, especially with large panel formats, as are usually used for façade cladding. These manufacturing tolerances vary depending on the material and manufacturer. The plus tolerance of 0.5mm is therefore important to ensure that the profiles can always be fitted onto the panel edges without any problems. The length in which we have the profiles manufactured is 2000mm. A tolerance of 5mm is given here so that the profiles never fall short of the 2000mm length. If the profiles are ordered in a length of 1000mm, we cut them to size with a sawing tolerance of 1mm. We have a state-of-the-art profile saw from Kaltenbach at our site in Kranenburg for this purpose.

Our U-profiles are asymmetrical. This means that there is a wider and a narrower side, which can be used as a visible side according to personal taste, as all outer sides, as well as the mounting surface, are powder-coated in white. The wide side, which serves as a mounting surface on the inside, has an external width of 20mm. At 12mm, the front side is significantly narrower. This applies to all our U-profiles for façade panels, regardless of the colour or the clamping area. The material thickness of 1.1mm is also identical for all end profiles, resulting in a total profile depth of 5.7mm for the 3mm U-profile and up to 10.7mm for the one with an 8mm clamping range. The high-quality profiles are manufactured using the extrusion process in accordance with EU standard EN 12020. This is carried out by a selected German manufacturer based in North Rhine-Westphalia. This manufacturer guarantees compliance with this standard through a high level of quality assurance. It also ensures that our end profiles are always manufactured and delivered to us in the same white and identical dimensions in terms of dimensional accuracy and colour fidelity through constant checks. This is confirmed once again by our internal inspection of incoming goods in order to guarantee consistently high product quality.

Specific data for the different profile sizes

• Aluminium U-profile 3mm: Clamping range: max. 3.5mm, profile depth outside: 5.7mm, weight: 106g/m
• Aluminium U-profile 6mm: Clamping range: max. 6.5mm, profile depth outside: 8.7mm, weight: 114g/m
• Aluminium U-profile 8mm: Clamping range: max. 8.5mm, profile depth outside: 10.7mm, weight: 120g/m

Application and installation of aluminium U-profiles in white

The white powder coating is applied to all visible surfaces and the mounting surface. This is characterised by a very robust surface that is insensitive to scratches and is matched in colour and gloss level to our white HPL panels cut to size. This makes it possible to cover the dark core of the panels, which contributes to a homogeneous overall look. The profiles are simply attached to the edges. Whether the 12mm or the 20mm wide side is visible is a matter of personal taste. The situation is different when the U-profiles are used to finish floor coverings and tile edges, as it is advisable to use the narrower side as the visible side. Depending on the floor covering, the profile is first glued and then the laminate or tile is inserted into the profile. The 3mm U-profile is ideal for thin vinyl flooring that is to be glued down. For laminate, on the other hand, a 6mm profile is more suitable and for wall and floor tiles, the 8mm end profile is the better choice so that they can still be inserted into the profile or laid flush with the surface.

TIP: We offer the white U-profiles in either 2000mm or 1000mm lengths. The long profiles are the best choice for most typical applications, as the edges of façade panels, vinyl or laminate floor coverings, or shower and kitchen splashbacks are usually higher or wider than one metre. There is often no way around shortening them, but this is not a problem and does not require any special tools. A simple hacksaw for metal is all you need. If available, a mitre saw can simplify the cutting process and ensure better cutting edges.

The end profiles can be attached, glued or screwed in the same way. Which of these installation methods is best depends on the specific application. Particularly in the case of large-area wall cladding with HPL panels or aluminium Dibond®, which are subject to thermal expansion, fixing with screws or mounting adhesive should be avoided so that the panels can continue to react unhindered to temperature fluctuations. Indoors, for example as an edge finish for tiled mirrors and as laminate or vinyl flooring, the surfaces facing the substrate should be bonded with a suitable adhesive, such as an MS polymer. Only after curing should the tile, laminate or vinyl be inserted into the profile and laid or glued in the appropriate manner. Laminate in particular should not be fully inserted into the profile so that it still has enough room to expand. To cover the edges of kitchen splashbacks, furniture edges or shelves, gluing with an MS polymer in white is also an option. A filigree groove on the inside of the mounting surface also serves as a guide for applying the adhesive sealant and also improves the durability of the joint itself. If, on the other hand, you prefer screwing, you will need a cordless screwdriver and a small-diameter HSS drill bit, as our profiles are not pre-drilled. The groove can also be helpful here in order to optimise and evenly select the edge distance of the screw.

Application examples of our white aluminium end profiles

• The white of the aluminium U-profiles is colour-coordinated with our white HPL panels cut to size
• The 3mm end profiles are ideal for increasing the flexural rigidity of 3mm thick plastic sheets
• The corrosion-resistant end profiles are also suitable for finishing off tiled surrounds in the bathroom
• The U-profile is perfect as a straight edge finish for shower & kitchen splashbacks made of HPL or aluminium composite
• The white end profiles are ideal for finishing laminate and vinyl flooring in very light-coloured decors

Technical data of the aluminium U-profiles in white

• Material: Anodised aluminium
• Alloy: EN AW 6063 T6
• Surface: Powder-coated
• Colour: Traffic white (RAL 9016)
• Profile shape: U-profile (End profile)
• Clamping range (max): 3,5mm, 6,5mm resp. 8,5mm
• Standard length: 2005mm
• Profile strength: 1,1mm
• Visible width: 12,0mm
• Profile width: 20,0mm
• Mounting surface: 19,0mm
• UV-resistance: Excellent
• Weather resistance: Excellent
• Corrosion resistance: Excellent