The Material Science of Curtain Tracks: Aluminum Alloys and Polymer Composites

Aluminum vs. Nylon? We dive into the material science of track and glider construction, analyzing the properties of 6063 aluminum and engineering polymers like POM for strength, wear, and low friction.

: aluminum 6063 track, POM gliders, polymer composite curtain track

The performance and longevity of a curtain track are dictated by the materials used in its construction. The two primary components—the track itself and the gliders—must work in concert, balancing strength, low friction, and wear resistance.

The Track: Aluminum Alloy 6063
This is the workhorse alloy for extruded profiles. Its key properties make it ideal:

• Strength & Stiffness: It provides the necessary structural integrity to resist bending (as defined by its Young's Modulus and yield strength).

• Corrosion Resistance: It naturally forms a protective oxide layer, which can be further enhanced by anodizing. This electrochemical process increases surface hardness and corrosion resistance, and allows for color dyeing (common in black tracks).

• Extrudability: It can be pushed through complex dies to create the precise internal channels needed for gliders and drive belts.

The Gliders: Engineering Polymers
The glider material is chosen for its interaction with the aluminum track. Common materials include:

• Nylon (PA66): A good general-purpose plastic with decent strength and wear resistance. It can be noisy and may absorb moisture over time, slightly changing its dimensions.

• Polyoxymethylene (POM/Acetal): This is a superior engineering polymer. It has an exceptionally low coefficient of friction against aluminum, is naturally lubricious, has high stiffness, and low moisture absorption. It is the preferred material for silent, smooth, and long-lasting gliding systems.

• ABS: Often used for its impact resistance and low cost, but generally inferior in wear and friction properties compared to POM.

We specify POM (Delrin) for all our glider components. Combined with our anodized 6063 aluminum tracks, this material pairing ensures a system that is not only strong but also exceptionally smooth and quiet for decades. Check our component material specifications for verification.