Aluminum alloy cable trays are known for their lightweight, corrosion resistance, and easy installation, making them an ideal choice for factory wiring. But in reality, many factories still prefer steel or hot-dip galvanized cable trays. So, what exactly is the reason?

一、 The advantages of aluminum alloy bridge frame
1. Lightweight aluminum alloy has low density and is about one-third lighter than steel cable trays, making large-span installation more effortless.
2. Corrosion resistant natural oxide film protects the surface of aluminum, making it less prone to rusting even in humid environments.
3. Quick and lightweight installation makes handling, lifting, and fixing more convenient, resulting in high construction efficiency.
4. Long term stable aluminum alloy is resistant to vibration and impact, and the bridge frame is not easily deformed after long-term use.
From a technical perspective, aluminum alloy cable trays are almost the ideal material for factory wiring.

二、 Why do many factories still not use it?
1. High cost
The price of aluminum alloy raw materials is higher than that of ordinary hot-dip galvanized steel, and the processing cost is also high. For engineering projects with limited budgets, steel cable trays are more cost-effective.
2. Bearing capacity issue
Although aluminum alloy cable trays have good strength, when supporting overweight cables or long spans, thicker profiles or additional supports are required, which will further increase construction costs. Steel cable trays are more secure under high loads.
3. Welding and processing restrictions
Aluminum alloy welding and on-site processing are difficult and require professional equipment and technology. The steel bridge frame is flexible in processing and more convenient for on-site cutting and welding, making it suitable for retrofitting or expanding lines.
4. Design philosophy and habits
Many factories use traditional design schemes, engineers are accustomed to using steel bridge frames, and construction teams are more familiar with the installation process of steel bridge frames. Changing materials means redesigning, training, and adjusting construction.
5. Special environmental considerations
In partially overloaded or high-temperature, highly corrosive environments, aluminum alloys may not perform as well as the overall load-bearing and durability of steel bridge frames with anti-corrosion coatings.

三、 Suitable scenarios for aluminum alloy cable trays
● Light or medium load lines: power lines, weak lines, monitoring lines
● A factory building with moderate span and high requirements for construction convenience
● Outdoor or indoor environments that require corrosion resistance but do not withstand extreme weight
In other words, aluminum alloy bridge frames are very suitable for lightweight and high-efficiency construction, but for factories with heavy loads, high budget sensitivity, or fixed construction habits, steel bridge frames still have an advantage.

四、 Conclusion
Aluminum alloy cable trays are lightweight, durable, and have high construction efficiency, but cost, load-bearing capacity, processing difficulty, and traditional construction habits are all limiting factors for their large-scale application.
Summary in one sentence: Aluminum alloy cable trays are good, but they are not omnipotent. Material selection should be considered comprehensively based on load, environment, and cost.