Aluminium samples fail to pass quality tests

The quality of aluminium profiles in the GCC is under scrutiny after independent tests showed samples from external manufacturers had failed to conform to requisite Aluminium Association alloy specifications, said an official press release.

Profiles are wrought products made from aluminium alloys, and are usually extruded.

They are normally supplied in straight lengths but sometimes in coiled form.

Gulf Extrusions Co, one of the largest aluminium extrusion plants in the Gulf region, has expressed concern about the results of the tests carried out on eight profiles.

The tests showed that the samples failed to conform to AA standards, falling below the required level on multiple counts, the statement said.

"The results of the tests have been extremely disturbing, as none of the profiles tested could fully meet the prescribed AA standards," Robert Holtkamp, Director of Sales and Marketing, Gulf Extrusion, said in an official statement.

"We are concerned that below-par extrusions are being used in various building projects in the UAE, which is particularly worrying as the country is presently witnessing a construction boom," Holtkamp said.

As part of the Al Ghurair Group of Companies, Gulf Extrusions, which is based in Jebel Ali, produces a range of over 7,000 profiles and exports to South East Asia, other GCC countries, Europe and Canada.

"Generally, 6063 Alloy is the standard alloy chosen for architecture application. The alloy combines various elements to yield the definitive extrusion for case applications, and is mainly preferred for its unique characteristic of corrosion resistance. The absence of precise control of impurity levels and the ratio between alloying elements within their limits could promote inter-granular corrosion," Holtkamp said. "Chemical composition limits of an alloy as well as its impurity levels have significant impact on the final product and its application. Therefore, quality compliance should be strictly enforced and efforts made to ensure extrusions meet AA standards," he said.

The Aluminium Association is the trade association for producers of primary aluminium, recyclers and semi-fabricated aluminium products, as well as suppliers to the industry.

The Association aims to increase the use of aluminium as the material of choice and help in achieving the industry's environmental, societal and economic objectives.