Aluminum Alloy Side Steps

-- Steady & Reliable Manufacturer --

Technical Overview

Aluminum Alloy Side Steps prioritize weight reduction and inherent corrosion resistance. The steps are predominantly manufactured using 6061 or 6063 series aluminum alloy, extruded into custom profiles that maximize rigidity while minimizing mass. The structural connection to the vehicle chassis is managed via High-Tensile Steel Brackets to handle concentrated load forces, while the step platform itself remains lightweight.

The surface undergoes an Anodization Process (Type II or III) or a specialized E-coating prior to the final powder coat. This treatment creates a hard, inert surface layer that dramatically enhances resistance to chemical attack and surface abrasion, surpassing the performance of raw or simply painted aluminum.

Introduction

Aluminum alloy side steps are the structural standard for modern, weight-conscious SUVs. They deliver the required strength for safe access while minimizing the addition of sprung weight, which can impact fuel economy and vehicle handling dynamics. The inherent non-ferrous nature of aluminum provides a fundamental defense against rust, making these components exceptionally durable for prolonged service life.

Bohai Auto Tech leverages its access to premium aluminum extruders and specialized finishing processes to ensure material consistency. Our products are engineered not only for strength but also for dimensional stability, ensuring that the components maintain alignment even under significant thermal cycling.

Applications

Performance and Standard SUVs: Applied across a wide range of vehicles, from the Haval F7 to the Volvo XC40, where weight and durability are balanced requirements.
Rust-Prone Geographies: Essential in coastal, high-salt, or high-humidity regions where ferrous metals degrade rapidly, prolonging the life of the accessory.
Aftermarket Design Focus: Used when a sleek, metallic, or anodized finish is preferred over traditional steel or polymer components.
Hybrid and Electric Vehicles: The low mass of aluminum is favorable for EVs and hybrids, where minimizing accessory weight is critical for maintaining battery range efficiency.

Specification

Primary Material	6063 T5/T6 Extruded Aluminum Alloy
Weight Reduction	Up to 40% Lighter than Equivalent Steel Steps
Corrosion Resistance	Superior Natural Oxidation Resistance
Surface Treatment	Anodization or E-Coat Pretreatment
Static Load Capacity	250 kg to 300 kg (Model Dependent)
Joining Method	Precision TIG/MIG Welding (Where Applicable)
Recyclability	High Post-Consumer Recyclability Rate

Common Questions

Q: Is aluminum strong enough to handle typical passenger weight?
A: Yes. The strength is derived not just from the material, but from the engineered profile (extrusion), which maximizes structural rigidity. Our steps are rated for static loads well over the weight of multiple adults.

Q: How does aluminum step corrosion resistance compare to stainless steel?
A: Aluminum resists rust (ferrous oxidation) completely. While stainless steel is also highly corrosion-resistant, aluminum's lightness and ability to form a protective oxide layer make it preferable where weight saving is a priority, provided the mounting steel is properly isolated.

Q: Are the mounting brackets also aluminum?
A: For critical load points, we use high-strength steel (often coated or plated) for the mounting brackets. This combination utilizes steel's superior ultimate tensile strength where it's needed most, and aluminum's light weight and corrosion resistance for the visible step platform.

Core Features

Weight Optimization: Significantly reduces the overall vehicle weight added by the accessory, minimizing impact on performance and efficiency.
Non-Ferrous Durability: Provides intrinsic defense against rust, ensuring no degradation of structural integrity even when the surface coating is compromised.
Formability and Aesthetics: Aluminum can be extruded into complex, aesthetically pleasing profiles with sharp lines and intricate anti-slip patterns.
Consistent Surface Finish: The anodized or powder-coated finish adheres evenly to the smooth aluminum substrate, resulting in a consistent, long-lasting visual appeal.

Manufacturing & Customization

Our facility utilizes modern Aluminum Extrusion Presses to create custom profiles and specialized CNC Milling Centers to achieve precise end-cap interfaces and mounting point accuracy. Surface finishing is performed in dedicated chemical baths for anodization and specialized powder coating booths.

Customization Opportunities: We offer aesthetic and structural modifications:

Proprietary Extrusion Profiles: Designing unique cross-sections for OEM clients that serve as a visual identifier and meet specific stiffness requirements.
Custom Anodization Colors: Offering clear (natural) anodization, or bespoke colors like black, bronze, or silver to match specific vehicle trim lines.
Integrated Lighting Channels: Manufacturing the profile with pre-formed channels designed to accept client-specified LED light strips or wiring harnesses discreetly.

Material Selection

The choice between 6061 (stronger, less common for extrusion) and 6063 (excellent extrusion properties) depends on the required profile complexity. Both alloys provide an effective balance of strength, weldability, and corrosion resistance.

For the tread surface, a Chemically Etched or Sandblasted Finish is often applied before anodization to create micro-texture that enhances the CoF, improving grip without the need for heavy rubber inserts.

Crucial to longevity is the use of Galvanic Isolation (e.g., polymer shims or specialized coatings) between the aluminum step and any steel mounting brackets, preventing dissimilar metal corrosion.

about Bohai

R&D and manufacturing of mid-to-high-end SUV electric pedals.

Bohai Automotive Technology (Zhejiang Huzhou) Co., Ltd. was established in 2014. It is a technology-based enterprise specializing in R&D China Aluminum Alloy Side Steps Manufacturers and Wholesale Aluminum Alloy Side Steps Suppliers The company is located on the southern bank of the beautiful Taihu Lake in the hinterland of the Yangtze River Golden Triangle-Changxing County, Huzhou City, Zhejiang Province. It is about 150 kilometers away from Shanghai, Hangzhou, Nanjing, Ningbo, Suzhou, Wuxi and other large and medium cities.

know more

Language

+86-400-6265788