Wood Can Also Be Used As A Profile? Technology Determines the Possibility

Aluminum profiles have many advantages, almost all kinds of structures can be built, but in some cases metal-free materials have more advantages, which is why item development profile KH.

Aluminum profiles have many advantages, almost all kinds of structures can be built, but in some cases metal-free materials have more advantages, which is why item development profile KH.

This particular profile is a composite of thermoplastic polypropylene and wood, which is PEFC certified and comes from sustainability-managed forests. More than 70% of the material for profile KH is wood fiber, so it is much lighter (1.06 kg/m) than aluminum profiles and more ergonomic. It also has better CO2 values (CO2 equivalent: 3.6 kg), as well as ideal electrical insulation and permeable electromagnetic waves.

In addition, profile KH is fully compatible with item's range of products. Like similar aluminum profiles, profile KH has profile 8 series groove rails that support item standard fasteners, and panels can be embedded directly into the profile frame.

Applications range from assembled carts and mobile shelves to protective fences, screens, and even laboratory equipment for EMC measurements. Variants of KH can also be used in lean production assembly systems.

1. Focus on classic mechanical engineering profiles.

Classic aluminum profiles have a clear advantage in most competitions, so what are the key points to choose when comparing them with wood-plastic composite profiles? We decided to leave this question to Marco Nieschwietz. As a global product manager for item, no one knows more about profile KH than he does.

✔ the circumstances in which you think it would be more appropriate to use profile KH?

When the load is controllable and predictable, I prefer to use profile KH. For example, when mobile factory equipment is required for various tools in production, it is recommended to use profile KH, which is easier to assemble than aluminum profiles.

✔ there any other scenarios besides assembling carts?

At the same ambient temperature, aluminum profiles always feel cooler because the metal conducts heat faster, while the overall feel of the profile KH is very comfortable, especially in winter.

Another application is used as a protective fence. By combining profile KH, safety suspension, locking corner assembly and polycarbonate plate, a protective fence that meets din EN ISO 14120:2016 protection requirements can be built. Profile KH gives you an alternative that is more cost-effective, more carbon-centilitive and energy efficient.

2. How to combine the advantages of aluminum profile with profile KH.

✔ would it be better to choose aluminum profiles?

In two cases, it is recommended that you choose to use aluminum profiles. One is when you need to bear a higher load, and the other is when you are dealing with a dynamic load.

✔ aluminum profiles and wood-plastic composite profiles be used at the same time?

The use of both materials is intended to reduce weight and to know that someone will come into contact with it frequently. Profile KH is recommended for structures that are at risk of collision or where they will certainly come into contact when moving. When more emphasis is placed on stability, aluminum profiles are recommended. The 8 series groove rails ensure that the aluminum profile is perfectly compatible with the profile KH.

Insulation performance is also an important factor that customers have repeatedly mentioned. Aluminum profiles are conductive and can be avoided by using profile KH in certain areas, which have good insulation and allow the structure to form an insulation layer. This is the main reason why wood-plastic composite profiles are used in combination with aluminum profiles.

3. Key factors of mechanical engineering profiles.

✔ next we're going to look at sustainability, how high is the one-time energy consumption of profile KH?

We have obtained detailed data from manufacturers and suppliers, accounting for about a quarter of the energy consumption required to stamp aluminum profiles. In terms of sustainability, one of the advantages of profile KH is that it contains 70% renewable raw materials.

✔ is the recycling situation? Wood is easy to recycle. However, profile KH is made from a mixture of wood and plastic. Is it possible for this profile to be fully recycled?

In theory, yes, but not as easy as aluminum profiles. Aluminum profiles are available worldwide and are a very popular material in the field of machinery and professional equipment manufacturing. It has become a network and recycling is very easy.

In contrast, wood-plastic composite profiles are still a niche product. However, as mentioned above, it has a special advantage over aluminum profiles. Now, we just offer you a whole new option.