Solid Round
Hollow Round
Solid Square
Hollow Square
Rectangular Tube
I-Beam
H-Beam
Custom (Specify Area)
Select the cross-sectional shape of your aluminium extrusion.
Enter the exact cross-sectional area in square millimeters.
Enter the main outer dimension (diameter for round, side for square).
Enter the inner dimension (diameter for round, side for square). Must be less than outer.
Enter the wall thickness. Ensure it's consistent with outer/inner dimensions.
Enter the outer width of the rectangle.
Enter the outer height of the rectangle.
Enter the inner width for a hollow rectangle.
Enter the inner height for a hollow rectangle.
Enter the width of the flanges.
Enter the thickness of the flanges.
Enter the height of the web connecting the flanges.
Enter the thickness of the web.
Enter the total length of the extrusion.
Standard density for aluminium is approximately 2.7 g/cm³. Adjust if needed for specific alloys.
Calculation Results
–.– kg
Cross-Sectional Area:–.– mm²
Volume:–.– cm³
Material Density:2.7 g/cm³
Formula Used:
Weight = Cross-Sectional Area × Length × Density
This is calculated by first determining the volume of the extrusion in cm³ (Area in mm² converted to cm², multiplied by Length in cm) and then multiplying by the density of aluminium in g/cm³ to get the weight in grams, which is then converted to kilograms.
Weight vs. Length
Weight of Aluminium Extrusion (kg) based on varying lengths (mm), for a fixed profile and density.
Weight vs. Density
Weight of Aluminium Extrusion (kg) based on varying densities (g/cm³), for a fixed profile and length.
Aluminium Profile Density & Area Estimates (Approximate)
Flange Width (B), Flange Thickness (Tf), Web Height (H), Web Thickness (Tw)
2*(B*Tf) + (H-2*Tf)*Tw
2.7
H-Beam
Flange Width (B), Flange Thickness (Tf), Web Height (H), Web Thickness (Tw)
2*(B*Tf) + (H-2*Tf)*Tw
2.7
Aluminium Extrusion Weight Calculator & Guide
{primary_keyword} is a crucial calculation for anyone involved in manufacturing, construction, engineering, or procurement of aluminium components. Understanding the weight of aluminium extrusions helps in accurate material costing, transportation logistics, structural design, and inventory management. This guide provides a comprehensive understanding of how to calculate aluminium extrusion weight, offering a practical calculator, detailed explanations, and real-world applications.
What is Aluminium Extrusion Weight?
Aluminium extrusion weight refers to the mass of a specific length of an aluminium profile that has been formed through the extrusion process. The extrusion process involves forcing heated aluminium through a shaped die to create a complex cross-sectional profile. The weight is directly proportional to the volume of the extruded material and its density.
Who Should Use This Calculator?
Manufacturers: To estimate raw material costs, optimize cutting patterns, and manage production.
Engineers & Designers: To verify structural integrity, calculate load-bearing capacities, and ensure material specifications are met.
Procurement Specialists: To obtain accurate quotes from suppliers and manage material purchasing budgets.
Logistics Providers: To plan transportation, estimate shipping costs, and manage payload capacities.
DIY Enthusiasts & Hobbyists: For smaller projects where material estimation is important.
Common Misconceptions about Aluminium Extrusion Weight
"All aluminium extrusions weigh the same per meter": This is false. Weight depends heavily on the cross-sectional shape and dimensions. A solid bar will weigh significantly more than a hollow tube of the same outer dimensions.
"Density is always 2.7 g/cm³": While 2.7 g/cm³ is a standard average for many common aluminium alloys (like 6061 or 6063), specific alloys can have slightly different densities due to their composition. However, for most practical calculations, 2.7 g/cm³ is a highly reliable figure.
"Length is the only variable": The cross-sectional area is equally, if not more, important. Two extrusions of the same length but different shapes can have vastly different weights.
Aluminium Extrusion Weight Formula and Mathematical Explanation
The fundamental formula for calculating the weight of any object, including an aluminium extrusion, is:
Weight = Volume × Density
To apply this to aluminium extrusions, we need to calculate the volume first. The volume of an extrusion is derived from its cross-sectional area and its length:
Volume = Cross-Sectional Area × Length
Combining these, the extended formula is:
Weight = Cross-Sectional Area × Length × Density
Step-by-Step Calculation Derivation:
Calculate Cross-Sectional Area (A): This is the most critical step and depends entirely on the extrusion's profile shape. For standard shapes like rounds, squares, rectangles, tubes, I-beams, or H-beams, there are specific geometric formulas. For custom shapes, the area might be provided by the manufacturer or calculated using CAD software. The area needs to be in square millimeters (mm²).
Determine Length (L): This is the linear measurement of the extrusion. It should be converted to centimeters (cm) for consistency with the density unit. (1 meter = 100 cm).
Convert Area to cm²: Since density is typically given in g/cm³, we need the area in cm². Remember that 1 cm = 10 mm, so 1 cm² = 100 mm². Therefore, Area (cm²) = Area (mm²) / 100.
Use Aluminium Density (ρ): The standard density of aluminium is approximately 2.7 grams per cubic centimeter (g/cm³). This value can be adjusted for specific alloys if known.
Weight (kg) = 3510 grams / 1000 = 3.51 kg per piece
Total weight for 10 pieces = 3.51 kg/piece * 10 pieces = 35.1 kg
Result Interpretation: Each 2-meter rectangular tube weighs approximately 3.51 kg. For 10 pieces, the total material weight is 35.1 kg. This figure is vital for accurate material purchasing and for calculating the total weight of the finished frame, impacting shipping and handling costs.
Example 2: Weight of a solid round bar for a machined part.
Scenario: An engineering firm requires a solid round aluminium bar for a component, specifying the required dimensions and total length needed.
Result Interpretation: A 500mm solid round bar with a 30mm diameter weighs approximately 0.95 kg. This helps in estimating the raw material cost for machining and understanding the weight contribution of this specific part to a larger assembly.
How to Use This Aluminium Extrusion Weight Calculator
Using our calculator is straightforward. Follow these steps:
Select Profile Shape: Choose the exact cross-sectional shape of your aluminium extrusion from the dropdown menu.
Enter Dimensions: Based on your selected shape, input the relevant dimensions (e.g., diameter, width, height, wall thickness) in millimeters (mm). If you have a custom shape, enter its pre-calculated cross-sectional area in mm².
Enter Length: Input the total length of the extrusion in millimeters (mm).
Adjust Density (Optional): The calculator defaults to the standard aluminium density of 2.7 g/cm³. If you are using a specific alloy with a known different density, you can update this value.
Click 'Calculate Weight': The calculator will instantly display the estimated weight in kilograms (kg).
How to Read Results:
Primary Result (kg): This is the total estimated weight of your aluminium extrusion.
Cross-Sectional Area (mm²): The calculated area of the profile. This is a key metric for verifying your inputs.
Volume (cm³): The calculated volume of the extrusion.
Material Density (g/cm³): The density value used in the calculation.
Decision-Making Guidance:
Use these results for:
Cost Estimation: Multiply the weight by the price per kilogram of aluminium.
Logistics Planning: Determine shipping requirements and costs.
Structural Analysis: Input the weight into design software for load calculations.
Inventory Management: Track material stock accurately.
Remember to use the 'Reset' button to clear the fields and 'Copy Results' to save your calculation details.
Key Factors That Affect Aluminium Extrusion Weight
While the formula is simple, several factors influence the final weight calculation and its real-world application:
Cross-Sectional Geometry: This is paramount. Hollow profiles use less material than solid profiles of the same outer dimensions. Complex shapes require precise area calculations. A slight change in dimensions can significantly alter the area and thus the weight.
Alloy Type and Density: Although most common aluminium alloys have a density around 2.7 g/cm³, specialized alloys might differ. For instance, aluminium-lithium alloys are lighter, while some high-strength alloys might be marginally denser. Always verify if using a non-standard alloy.
Dimensional Tolerances: Extruded products have manufacturing tolerances. Actual dimensions might slightly vary from nominal specifications. This can lead to minor deviations in calculated weight compared to the actual physical weight.
Length Accuracy: Just like other dimensions, length can have tolerances. Longer extrusions naturally weigh more, so precise length is key for accurate weight calculations.
Surface Finish and Coatings: While typically negligible for weight calculations, thick anodizing or powder coating layers add a minimal amount of mass. For most applications, this is ignored.
Waste Material (Scrap): When cutting extrusions to specific lengths, offcuts are generated. While not part of the final product's weight, this 'scrap weight' is a crucial consideration for overall material purchasing and cost management in production environments. Our calculator determines the weight of the usable piece.
Unit Consistency: Ensure all measurements are in compatible units (mm for dimensions, cm for volume calculation with g/cm³ density) before calculating. Errors in unit conversion are a common source of incorrect weight estimations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: How accurate is this aluminium extrusion weight calculator?
A1: The calculator is highly accurate based on the provided geometric formulas and standard aluminium density. Accuracy depends on the precision of your input dimensions and the deviation of your specific alloy's density from the assumed 2.7 g/cm³.
Q2: What is the density of aluminium alloys?
A2: The standard density for most common aluminium alloys (like 6061, 6063, 7075) is approximately 2.7 g/cm³. Some specialized alloys might vary slightly.
Q3: Can I calculate the weight of a hollow section with non-uniform wall thickness?
A3: This calculator is designed for standard geometric shapes with uniform wall thickness. For complex hollow sections with varying thicknesses, you would need to break down the shape into simpler geometric components, calculate the area of each, and sum them up, or use advanced CAD software.
Q4: Does the calculator account for cuts and fabrication?
A4: No, the calculator determines the weight of a single, continuous piece of extrusion based on its dimensions and length. It does not factor in weight lost during cutting or the addition of other materials during fabrication.
Q5: What units should I use for the dimensions?
A5: Please use millimeters (mm) for all linear dimensions (diameter, width, height, length, thickness). The calculator handles the necessary conversions for the final weight in kilograms (kg).
Q6: How do I calculate the weight for a custom-shaped extrusion?
A6: If you have a custom profile, you need to determine its cross-sectional area (in mm²) first. This can often be obtained from the manufacturer or calculated using CAD software. Then, select 'Custom (Specify Area)' in the calculator and input this area along with the length and density.
Q7: Is the weight calculated in kg or lbs?
A7: The final calculated weight is displayed in kilograms (kg).
Q8: Why is knowing the exact weight important?
A8: Accurate weight is crucial for precise material costing, calculating shipping fees, ensuring structural integrity in designs (e.g., load-bearing capacity), managing inventory, and optimizing manufacturing processes by minimizing material waste.