Aluminium Channel Profiles

Aluminium channel — also referred to as aluminium U-channel, C-channel, U-section, or C-section — is one of the most widely used general-purpose profiles available. The open U/C-shaped form creates a recessed channel that can receive, retain, and protect the edges of panels, boards, or sheet materials on three sides. Common applications include edge protection and edging strips for boards and panels, frame systems, display and exhibition structures, shop-fitting and retail interiors, partition systems, mechanical and sub-frames, cable management, sliding door and window tracks, general fabrication, and trim and finishing work. The combination of low weight, natural corrosion resistance, and good surface finish makes aluminium channel a practical first choice across trade, construction, manufacturing, and fit-out applications.

Gooding Aluminium stocks a wide selection of aluminium channel sizes to accommodate a variety of material thicknesses and structural requirements. The full size range is available via the size selector on the product page. All sizes are stocked in both mill (untreated) and natural anodised finish in standard 4-metre lengths. If you are unsure which size is right for your application, the sales team can advise — email sales@goodingalum.com.

AA25 microns refers to the thickness of the anodic oxide layer applied to the aluminium surface during the anodising process. The 'AA25' designation indicates the ideal anodic film thickness of 25 microns, which is the highest standard grade for aluminium extrusion anodising. This thicker coating provides superior resistance to surface marking and corrosion compared to thinner AA10 or AA15 coatings, making it more durable in both indoor and outdoor environments. It is the specification used by Gooding Aluminium for all natural anodised channel profiles, ensuring a high-quality, matt metallic finish with strong long-term performance. You should always ensure the aluminium anodised products you are buying are covered with the AA25 anodic film thickness. Most aluminium stockists provide thinner and therefore less protective and decorative anodic films.

All aluminium channel sections are extruded in grade 6063 aluminium alloy, to specifications BS EN 755, BS EN 515, and BS EN 573. Grade 6063 is one of the industry-standard alloys for extruded profiles, offering a good surface finish, excellent corrosion resistance, strong weldability, and reliable suitability for anodising. It performs well in both interior and exterior environments.

Mill finish (untreated) is aluminium in its extruded state with no surface treatment applied. It has a raw metallic appearance, is the lower-cost option, and is the preferred choice when the channel will be welded, painted, powder coated, or otherwise finished and concealed in the final installation. Natural anodised finish involves an electrolytic process that builds a hard, transparent oxide layer (at AA25 micron thickness on GA's stock) directly into the surface, resulting in a clean, uniform matt silver finish with enhanced resistance to marking and corrosion. Anodised channel is well suited to visible applications where the aluminium finish is part of the final aesthetic. Shade variation can occur between anodised batches due to the reactive nature of the process.

Yes. Gooding Aluminium's fabrication department offers a cutting-to-length service for channel and all extrusion profiles. This allows you to order channel closer to your required finished sizes, reducing site waste and handling time. For cut lengths, contact the sales team on 020 8692 2255 or at sales@goodingalum.com with your requirements and they will advise on pricing and turnaround.

Beyond cutting to length, Gooding Aluminium's fabrication department can carry out hole drilling, rolling and curving, and welding on channel profiles. This means you can specify channel that is pre-drilled for fixing, or curved to a radius for curved installations or display structures. Powder coating to any colour within the Classic RAL Colour Management System is also available. Contact the sales team with your specific requirements for a quick turnaround quote.

Yes. Grade 6063 aluminium has good natural corrosion resistance, making aluminium channel suitable for use in both indoor and outdoor environments. For external applications where appearance and long-term durability are important, natural anodised finish at AA25 microns provides a higher level of surface protection than mill finish. Powder coating is also available for additional weather resistance or colour matching to specific project requirements.

Yes. Grade 6063 aluminium is noted for its excellent weldability and is well suited to MIG and TIG welding processes. Note that weld areas on anodised sections may respond differently to the surrounding parent material if subsequently re-anodised — discuss this with your anodising supplier if you are planning to anodise after welding.

Channel profiles are professionally packed in heavy-duty cardboard cartons or tubes to protect against damage during transit. Orders are dispatched on a Free overnight UK service for next working day delivery on in-stock items. A Click-and-Collect service is also available from our warehouse, with no minimum spend required. For larger or processed orders, contact the sales team to discuss lead times and delivery arrangements.