Profilato

Profilato is a generic term used in Italian to describe an elongated element with a constant cross-section, designed for structural, functional, or decorative use. Profilati can be made from various materials, most commonly metals such as steel and aluminum, but also plastics like PVC or composites. The concept covers both extruded, drawn, or rolled shapes intended to form a continuous length.

Cross-section shapes commonly encountered include angular (L-shaped), channel (U-shaped), I-beam and H-beam profiles, T-sections, rectangular and square hollow sections, and circular tubes. In practice, profiles are chosen for their rigidity, load-bearing capacity, and compatibility with fasteners, welds, or coatings. Material choice depends on mechanical requirements, environmental exposure, and cost; metal profiles may be galvanized, anodized, or painted to improve corrosion resistance.

Production methods vary by material and shape. Steel profiles are often hot-rolled or cold-formed, producing standardized sections such as angles, channels, and I- or H-sections. Aluminum and plastic profiles are frequently produced by extrusion, allowing complex cross-sections and long lengths. Hollow sections may be formed by extrusion or by welding and seam processes.

Typical applications include structural framing in buildings and bridges, supports and chassis in machinery and automotive industries, window and door frames, furniture, and architectural elements. The term profilato thus encompasses a broad family of elongated, uniform cross-section components whose selection balances strength, weight, manufacturability, and cost. Standards and nomenclature vary by country, with common European references to profiles such as I-, H-, U-, C-sections and hollow sections.