Edge profiles
More Information
Profiles are long materials made of wood, plastic or metal with a consistent cross-sectional geometry. Edge profiles are the variation with angled outer edges.
Profile types
In technical mechanics, a distinction is made between three types of profiles:
- Round profiles
- Angle profiles
- Mixed profiles
In addition, a distinction is made between ‘hollow profiles’ and ‘solid profiles’. Hollow profiles are hollow on the inside or open on one side. Solid profiles are solid and have no hollow space. Round profiles have an elliptical or circular cross-section. Edge profiles are square, rectangular or angular. Mixed profiles can have very different shapes. They are designed for a specific purpose, such as window profiles.
Manufacture of angle profiles
The manufacturing method for edge profiles depends on their material and wall thickness. A closed angle profile is extruded. Thin-walled, open profiles are bent from flat sheet metal.
Uses for the profile
The edge profile is a standard semi-finished product. It is suitable for manufacturing statically loaded components such as frames, brackets, scaffolding, housings and much more. The Q and R profiles (square/rectangular) are particularly popular for this purpose. The following types of processing can be carried out with edge profiles:
- Shortening
- Mitre cut
- Drilling
- Cutting
- Welding
A metal saw or angle grinder is sufficient for shortening an edge profile. The flat sides are easy to mark or draw on. The flat sides also make it easier to drill holes. Slipping, as is the case with round profiles, is unlikely with angle profiles. Nevertheless, we generally recommend pre-centring each hole.
The straight cut edges make welding much easier than with round profiles.
Advantages of edge profiles
The flat sides make it much easier to attach sheet metal and panels. They are well suited for riveted, screwed and glued connections. With metal profiles, welding and soldering of attachments is also possible. Another advantage is that they can be transported particularly safely and in a space-saving manner. They do not roll away, but remain where they are stored.
Disadvantages of edge profiles
An edge profile has three disadvantages. Compared to a round profile, it is not as resistant to bending. It cannot be twisted off and its edges pose a certain risk of injury if knocked. Its use should therefore be carefully planned.
For universal use
Alongside round profiles, hollow edge profiles are among the most widely used semi-finished products. They are used in both series production and the manufacture of customised designs. Edge profiles are inexpensive, stable and easy to process. The wide range of materials, cross-sections and wall thicknesses available means that there is a suitable edge profile for practically every application.
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