Engineering - BWC Group

ENHANCING PERFORMANCE ACROSS ENGINEERING SECTORS

Aluminium extrusion is a game-changer for the engineering industry, offering properties such as strength, flexibility, corrosion resistance, superior thermal and electrical conductivity, and lightweight properties that enhance performance across multiple sectors. Whether you're designing intricate electronic components, robust mechanical structures, or high-precision automotive parts, aluminium extrusion is a cost-effective and sustainable solution.

In the engineering sectors mentioned below, we provide valuable expertise in extrusion, whether as a required solution or a recommended alternative to other manufacturing methods. Its versatility allows for greater efficiency and precision in the final component.

Mechanical Engineering

In mechanical engineering, aluminium extrusions are widely used for load-bearing structures, motion systems, and machine frameworks. With high strength-to-weight ratio, extruded profiles provide excellent stiffness while minimising weight.

The material's machinability allows for tight tolerances and complex geometries, while anodization and surface treatments enhance wear resistance and durability.

Common applications include:

Linear motion guides and actuators.

Structural machine components.

High performance cooling solutions (e.g. finned heat sinks).

Two of the sectors we have helped are the conveyor system market and theatrical production management. In both cases, original designs submitted by the client were not initially extrudable in their initial form, but following discussions and collaboration in design, we succeeded in producing alternative designs to serve a functional purpose.

Automotive

Aluminium extrusion plays a significant role in light-weighting strategies to enhance fuel efficiency and vehicle dynamics within the automotive industry.

Engineered for high-impact resistance and superior energy absorption, key automotive applications include:

Chassis and subframes.

Impact-resistant crash management systems.

Battery enclosures for electric vehicles.

Here at BWC Profiles, extruded components with water, oil and air charged coolers are used across a range of vehicle applications from small bespoke race cars, to trains and heavy tractors.

ELECTRONIC ENGINEERING

Precision-extruded aluminium components are essential in electronic systems, where thermal management and electromagnetic shielding are critical.

Aluminium's high thermal conductivity enables the efficient dissipation of heat, reducing component failure and improving longevity.

Common applications include:

Custom heat sinks for power electronics.

Enclosures for sensitive electronic circuits.

RF shielding components for high-frequency applications.

At BWC Profiles, our experience with stair lifts and coupling systems show the versatility of aluminium extrusion and the depth of precision engineering as tight tolerances and interlocking components become significant factors within the manufacturing element.

PRECISION ENGINEERING

In precision engineering, the demand for exacting tolerances and superior surface finishes makes aluminium extrusion a preferred choice. CNC machining, precision cutting, and post-extrusion treatments allow for high-accuracy components used in aerospace, medical devices, and high-tech manufacturing.

Notable applications include:

High-precision optical and metrology equipment.

Aerospace-grade structural components.

Medical device housing and surgical equipment.

Here at BWC Profiles, stair lifts and coupling systems are examples of precision engineering where tight tolerances and interlocking components become significant factors within the manufacturing element.

TELECOMS IN ENGINEERING

The telecoms industry requires high-strength, lightweight materials with excellent electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding. Aluminium extrusion delivers superior performance in high-frequency applications, offering thermal stability and resistance to environmental factors.

Applications include:

Antenna enclosures and mounting systems.

Structural components for telecom towers.

5G network infrastructure and cooling systems.

At BWC Profiles, we are skilled in the application of RF antenna systems, which is invaluable to a variety of multinational companies in the UK. In some instances, the requirement of 18 components can be reduced down to 3 with the aid of aluminium extrusion.