Standard Shape is one that is available to all customers.

Exclusive Shape is one that is manufactured to the design of a client - it is not published and is retained for the client's exclusive use.

Standard is applied to those alloys, tempers, dimensions and services which are always available and can be accepted for production without further reference.

Non-Standard is applied to those alloys, tempers, dimensions and services which are outside normal availability and must always be the subject of special inquiry.

Section Drawings are prepared for every extruded shape that is manufactured by Fletcher Aluminium.  Each one is identified by a 6 digit number.

Visible Face is that surface of the shape which is exposed to view and so nominated by the client.

Perimeter is the distance around the periphery of the extruded shapes.

External Perimeter is used in computing the price for surface finishes on hollow shapes in which the external perimeter only is measured, and the internal void excluded.

Factor is calculated by dividing the total perimeter (internal and external for hollow shapes) of the section in millimetres by the weight in kg/metre.

Circumscribing Circle is the minimum circle inside which the extruded shape will fit precisely.

Thickness Ratio is the optimum desirable ratio of variation in metal thickness in any extruded shape.

Rod is a solid round section 10mm or greater in diameter whose length is great in relation to its diameter.

Bar is a solid section long in relation to its crosssectional dimensions, having a symmetrical crosssection which is square, rectangular, hexagonal, or octagonal (excluding flattened wire) with sharp or rounded corners or edges and whose width or greatest distance between parallel faces is 10mm or greater.

Shape Definitions
Solid Shape
An extruded shape whose geometry does not form a  void and which is long in relation to its cross-sectional dimensions.

Hollow Shapes
A single void totally enclosed extruded shape, with a width to depth ratio of not less than 5: 1. Wall thickness should be uniform (except for radiused corners).

Semi-Hollow Shapes
A Solid shape with a cross-section that partially encloses a void and in which the area of the void is substantially greater than the square of the width of the gap, otherwise classified as a hollow in the following table.

Weldlines
Due to the method of manufacture of hollow and semi-hollow extrusions no undertaking can be given regarding placement or homogeneous nature of weldlines unless otherwise agreed to prior to placement of order.