What is an aluminium equal channel?
An equal channel is a U-shaped extrusion whose two legs and the web are the same length. A 40 x 40 x 3 channel, for example, measures 40 mm across the base and 40 mm up each leg, with a 3 mm wall. It is also sold as aluminium U channel or, in the US, aluminum U channel.
| Quick answer Snalco extrudes equal channels in 6063-T5 as standard and 6061-T6 for higher strength. Weight is roughly 0.5 kg per metre for a 30 x 30 x 3 section. Cut lengths, anodising and powder coating are available. |
Indicative sizes and weight
| Web x leg (mm) | Thickness (mm) | Weight (kg/m) | Area (mm2) |
| 20 x 20 | 2 | 0.30 | 112 |
| 25 x 25 | 2 | 0.38 | 142 |
| 30 x 30 | 3 | 0.68 | 252 |
| 40 x 40 | 3 | 0.92 | 342 |
| 50 x 50 | 4 | 1.53 | 568 |
| 75 x 75 | 5 | 2.90 | 1075 |
| 100 x 100 | 6 | 4.67 | 1728 |
Weight = cross-section area in mm2 x 0.0027 kg per metre. Corner radii are ignored, so real sections run slightly lighter or heavier. Other sizes can be made on request.
| Item | What Snalco can supply |
| Alloys | 6063 T5/T6 (general sections), 6061 T4/T6 and 6082 T5/T6 (higher strength), 6005, 6060, 6463; 1XXX series on request |
| Standards | GB 5237-2008, JIS H, AAMA, BS, EN |
| Finishes | Mill finish, anodised (anodized), powder coating, wood grain, electrophoresis, PVDF paint, sand blasting, polishing |
| Further processing | Cutting to length, drilling, punching, bending, welding, machining, fabrication of finished parts |
Common uses
- Guide rails and sliding tracks for doors, shutters and machine covers
- Edge protection and trim around panels and glass
- Frames for partitions, signboards and display units
- Cable and wire channels in electrical panels
- Light structural framing where steel would add too much weight
Equal or unequal channel?
Pick an equal channel when the web and legs should match, which keeps joints and mitres simple. Pick an unequal channel when the web must be wider or narrower than the legs, for example to hold a specific glass or panel thickness.
Why Snalco
- Own extrusion plant at Kosamba, Surat, built around a 1600 UST four-column hydraulic press that handles 6 inch and 7 inch billets.
- A working quality lab: spectrometer for chemistry, UTS machine, Rockwell and Brinell hardness testers, conductivity meter, metallurgical microscope and a profile projector for dimensions.
- Cutting to length, drilling, punching and machining done at the plant, so you can receive parts ready to fit.
- ISO 9001:2015 certified manufacturing, with checks on raw material, during production and before dispatch.
How to order
- Section and size: dimensions in mm, wall thickness, and the profile number or drawing.
- Alloy and temper: for example 6063-T5, or 6061-T6 where more strength is needed.
- Finish: mill finish, anodised, powder coated or another finish from the list above.
- Length and quantity: cut lengths in mm or full mill lengths, and the total weight or number of pieces.
- Delivery point: a city in India or an export port, so freight and packing can be quoted.
| Get a quote for your section • Send the size, alloy, finish and quantity through the contact form, or share a drawing. The Snalco team replies with availability, lead time and a price for your quantity. • Factory: Block No. 604/2, Kosamba, Surat, Gujarat, India. |
Frequently asked questions
What sizes of aluminium equal channel do you make?
Common sizes run from 20 x 20 mm to 100 x 100 mm in walls from 2 to 6 mm. If your size is not listed, send the dimensions and we confirm die availability or quote a new die.
How do I calculate the weight of an aluminium channel?
Find the cross-section area in mm2 (web x thickness plus two legs minus the corner, times thickness) and multiply by 0.0027 to get kilograms per metre. Multiply by length for total weight.
How is aluminium channel priced per kg?
Price follows the metal rate plus conversion and finishing, quoted per kg. Send size, alloy, finish and quantity and Snalco returns a price for your order.
Is an aluminum U channel the same as a C channel?
Not exactly. A U channel has plain legs. A C channel usually has small lips turned inward at the leg ends. Tell us which you need and send a sketch if unsure.
Can the channel be anodised?
Yes. Anodised, powder coated and mill finish are all available, along with cutting, drilling and punching.
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