Association vs American Standard Channel
We’ll explain the practical differences between American Standard (AS) and Aluminum Association (AA) aluminum channels—how their legs are shaped, how to measure them correctly, which alloys/tempers you’ll see, and when to choose each for real‑world projects.
- Pictured: Aluminum American Standard (left), Aluminum Association (right)
First, they are both extruded from 6000 series aluminum. This series of aluminum yields a harder material with good strength, but will crack if it is bent toward 90 degrees. Both also come in 25' lengths and are specified by the outer length of the leg and what is call the web, or thickness. In the photo, you can see the profile of the channel in the shape of the letter "U". The uprights are called the legs, and we measure these on the outside. The horizontal part is where we measure the thickness.
Why does it matter? As you can see from the top picture, American Standard channel has tapered legs, so the inside dimension between the legs gets smaller as you approach the bottom of the channel. And, unlike the Aluminum Association channel the thickness of the legs varies, and is different then the web thickness on the bottom.
Hopefully, you now have any easy choice. If you need straight legs, then you need the Aluminum Association channel. If you are looking for a tapered leg, choose American Standard channel.
| Property | American Standard (Structural “C”) | Aluminum Association (Architectural / Sharp-Corner) |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Alloy/Temper | 6061-T6 | 6063-T52 |
| Leg Geometry & Corners | Tapered legs; thickness varies from tip to web; inside opening narrows; larger inside radii | Straight legs; consistent thickness; squarer inside/outside corners for flush fits |
| Strength vs. Formability | Higher strength & stiffness; good machinability; less formable than 6063 | Excellent surface finish; lower strength than 6061 |
| Best For | Brackets, machine bases/guards, trailer framing, heavy supports | Frames, trim/edging, display fixtures, architectural enclosures |
| Measurement Notes | Measure A (depth), B (leg width) at tips, and C (web). Allow clearance at the web due to taper | Measure A, B, C as drawn; straight legs give a consistent opening along the depth |
| Finish / Anodize | Takes mechanical finish well; anodize acceptable but not as uniform as 6063 | Excellent anodizing response and appearance |
| Ordering Tips | Verify taper won’t pinch nested parts near the web; choose cut lengths to reduce freight | Great for visible work and mating panels/caps; confirm strength requirements before substituting for AS |