The short answer: Aluminium angle is an open L-shaped profile. Aluminium box section is a hollow, enclosed profile, usually square or rectangular. Choose the shape specified by your design, then confirm its dimensions, wall thickness and cut length before ordering.
Both profiles are useful starting materials for fabrication and workshop projects. They serve different purposes, though, and a request for “25 mm aluminium” does not tell a supplier enough to identify the right one.
What is aluminium angle?
Aluminium angle has two legs that meet at a corner. It can be useful for edges, brackets, frames and other work where an open L-shaped profile suits the design.
When ordering, specify both leg dimensions and the thickness. An equal angle has legs of the same size; an unequal angle has different leg sizes. Check the actual product dimensions rather than assuming that all angle is equal.
What is aluminium box section?
Box section is a hollow profile with an enclosed square or rectangular cross-section. It is often used for frames and fabricated assemblies.
For box section, specify the outside dimensions and wall thickness. Two pieces with the same outside dimensions can have different wall thicknesses, so the outside size alone is not a complete specification.
Which profile should you choose?
Start with your drawing and how the pieces will be joined. Consider access for drilling and fastening, the shape needed at corners and the appearance of the finished assembly.
If the part is load-bearing or safety-critical, the profile, alloy, wall thickness and joining details should be checked against the design requirements. A profile name alone does not establish that it is suitable.
What should you include in an order?
A clear enquiry might read:
Aluminium angle, 25 mm × 25 mm × 3 mm, four pieces cut to 600 mm.
Or:
Aluminium rectangular box section, 50 mm × 25 mm outside dimensions, 3 mm wall, two pieces cut to 900 mm.
Also mention the alloy or finish if your job specifies one, plus any cut tolerance or end preparation you require.
Buy the length your project needs
Cut Length Metals supplies aluminium profiles cut to length from Caboolture, Queensland, with Australia-wide shipping and no minimum order quantity. Check the listed sizes online, or contact us with your cut list if your project needs something specific.
