To understand how the aluminium extruded profiles have made quite inroads into the Telecoms product sector there is a need to understand a few things about telecom products. Essentially the telecom products can be broadly classified into four main groups they are antennae, cabinets, radiators and peripheral equipment.

Other extruded profiles made of aluminium that are used in the telecom industry includes Fasteners, brackets, beams, support systems. They facilitate a quick on-site installation with minimum fuss.


Extruded Heat Sink
It is the cabinets and radiators that constitutes the largest group, and in industrial parlance it is is known as enclosures and heat sinks. Together they make up over 70 percent of the total sales. Aluminium extrusions in the form of machined profiles are used for things like heat sinks and base stations.


A primary criteria in any heat sink is that materials used for making it must show good thermal conductivity. Aluminium alloys perfectly fits in with the geometric structures, surface design, greater capacity of thermal dissipation, and thin fins, the much needed features of any heat sink product. A common aluminium alloy used for heat sinks is AlMgSi0,5 F22.

Antennas
Another application of aluminium extrusions is in the manufacturing of antennas. There is a great challenge for the profiles here because Antennas are subjected to varied and harsh climatic conditions The main extruded profile forms the backbone of an antenna structure where all the vital electronic equipment gets mounted. The image is shown of an antenna made using profiles of extruded aluminium.


Indoor Outdoor Cabinets
Another vital item in the telecommunication equipment is the indoor and outdoor cabinets. Increasingly OEM are opting for aluminium profiles instead of steel because of the weight. The basic design of the system depends whether the cabinets would be used for indoor or outdoor purposes. Generally the profiles for outdoor purposes should be versatile enough for easy on site installation along with being tamper and fire proof. While the criteria for indoor cabinets is lighter extrusions so that they could double up as rack systems, ease in production and fast assembling.