Short answer: An aluminium roller shutter is an automatic shutter system in which extruded or roll-formed aluminium slats wind around a barrel to close an opening. With 55/77/100 mm slat options, a rust-free construction, low weight and anodised/RAL colour options, it suits shopfronts, office building entrances, pharmacies and facilities in coastal or humid climates; it is made to measure and motorised.
The aluminium roller shutter is a coiling system developed for commercial buildings that want shopfront aesthetics and night-time security at the same time. It works on the same coiling principle as a steel roller shutter, but the nature of the material makes it a product aimed at different needs. In this article we cover what an aluminium roller shutter is, the difference between extruded and roll-formed slats, its advantages and where it is used.
What is an aluminium roller shutter and how is it made?
An aluminium roller shutter consists of slats, guide rails, a barrel, a box and a drive unit. The key difference from a galvanized steel roller shutter is the slat material. Aluminium slats can be produced by two different methods:
Extruded aluminium slats
In extrusion, a heated aluminium billet is pressed through a die to form the profile. This method produces rigid, durable profiles whose wall thickness and internal geometry are defined by the design. Pack Door's KM Aluminium series uses 6063 alloy extruded aluminium. Thick-walled extruded slats can also be used at high-security points such as jewellers and bureaux de change.
Roll-formed aluminium slats
In the roll-forming method, aluminium sheet is passed through rollers and turned into a slat profile. It offers a lighter structure than extruded slats and is considered for applications with a lower security risk.
Key technical specifications
- Slat face: 55 / 77 / 100 mm
- Surface finish: Anodised or electrostatic RAL powder coating
- Guide rails: Aluminium rails with brush seals
- Box: Aluminium shutter box matched to the facade
- Drive: Tubular motor or central motor
- Safety: Photocell, safety edge, obstacle detection
- Control: Remote control, key switch, Wi-Fi module
What are the advantages of an aluminium roller shutter?
Rust-free construction
Aluminium does not rust thanks to the oxide layer that forms naturally on its surface. Anodising or powder coating strengthens this protection. As a result, it delivers a longer surface life than galvanized steel in seafront shops, pool and leisure areas, high-humidity environments and production areas with chemical vapours.
Light weight and quiet operation
Extruded aluminium slats are noticeably lighter than their steel equivalents. A lower curtain weight reduces the load on the motor and barrel; a smaller motor may be sufficient for the same opening, and the system runs more smoothly and quietly. Quietness is a significant advantage for pharmacies and boutiques on the ground floor of residential buildings.
Architectural aesthetics and window display
With anodised finishes (natural, bronze, black) and powder coating across the full RAL chart, the shutter can be matched to the facade and corporate identity. In the KM Vitrin series, combinations of micro-perforated or polycarbonate vision slats keep products visible even when the shop is closed and allow natural ventilation.
Recyclability
Aluminium slats are 100% recyclable. At the end of the product's service life, the material can be reused.
How are aluminium roller shutter series differentiated by need?
Pack Door manufactures aluminium roller shutters in two series under the Kepenk Merkezi brand. The series share the same mechanical platform; they differ in slat design and in the role the shutter plays when closed.
KM Aluminium: extruded aluminium roller shutter
This is the main series, combining security and aesthetics with high-strength extruded profile slats. It is produced with 55, 77 and 100 mm slat options, 6063 alloy extruded aluminium and an anodised or RAL powder-coated finish. It is suitable for office and shop windows, jewellers and bureaux de change, and facilities in coastal and humid climates.
KM Vitrin: perforated and vision-slat aluminium roller shutter
A combination of micro-perforated or polycarbonate vision slats that keeps products on display even when closed. It provides night-time display and natural ventilation, is produced to match the corporate RAL colour and is operated by remote control, push button or smartphone. High-street retail, shopping centre units, boutiques and showrooms are typical applications of this series.
Where are aluminium roller shutters used?
- Shopfronts: Aesthetics and night-time security for high-street and shopping centre stores.
- Office building entrances: Closure matched to the corporate facade colour.
- Jewellers and bureaux de change: High security with thick-walled extruded slats.
- Pharmacies and boutiques: Quiet closing and a RAL-matched appearance.
- Coastal facilities: Rust-free closure in salty air and humidity.
- Showrooms: Product display while closed with vision slats.
What is the difference between an aluminium roller shutter and a galvanized steel roller shutter?
| Criterion | Aluminium roller shutter | Galvanized steel roller shutter |
|---|---|---|
| Material | 6063 alloy extruded or roll-formed aluminium | Hot-dip galvanized steel sheet |
| Slat face | 55 / 77 / 100 mm | 77 / 97 / 115 mm |
| Corrosion | Rust-free, advantageous in coastal and humid areas | Protected by galvanizing and powder coating |
| Weight and motor load | Light, a smaller motor may be sufficient | Heavier, requires a stronger barrel and motor |
| Finish and colour | Anodised and RAL powder coating | RAL powder coating |
| Where it excels | Shopfronts, office buildings, pharmacies, coastal facilities | Warehouses, factories, industrial zone hangars, wide openings |
In short: if corrosion resistance, light weight and shopfront aesthetics matter, aluminium is the choice; for maximum impact resistance and wide warehouse or industrial openings, the galvanized steel roller shutter comes to the fore. To learn more about the galvanized option, read our article what is a galvanized steel roller shutter and where is it used.
Note from the field: During site surveys in coastal areas, we often come across shops where steel shutters show signs of corrosion on the guide rails and bottom profile after a few years. In such locations we make sure that not only the slats but also the rails and box are aluminium. For shopfront projects, we plan how the shutter will look when closed by considering the night-time appearance together with the shop owner; the ratio of perforated to solid slats is decided at this stage.
Common mistakes
- Assuming aluminium is sufficient everywhere: For wide warehouse doors with forklift traffic, galvanized steel is better suited for impact resistance.
- Focusing only on the slats and leaving the rails and box in steel: In a coastal environment, the entire system needs to be corrosion-resistant.
- Not choosing slats according to the security risk: At locations such as jewellers, thick-walled extruded slats should be chosen instead of thin roll-formed slats.
- Leaving the colour decision until installation: The anodised or RAL colour must be finalised before production.
- Skipping safety equipment: Even if it is lightweight, a motorised shutter needs a photocell and obstacle detection.
Frequently asked questions
Do aluminium roller shutters rust?
No. Aluminium does not rust thanks to its natural oxide layer. With an anodised or powder-coated finish, it retains its appearance for many years even in coastal and humid environments; periodic cleaning and rail maintenance are sufficient.
Are aluminium roller shutters secure?
Yes, thanks to the strength of extruded aluminium slats. With thick-walled profiles, a bottom lock and reinforced guide rails, they are also used at high-risk locations; alarm integration and anti-lift locks can be added for extra security.
What motor does an aluminium roller shutter use?
It runs on a tubular motor or a central motor. The motor is selected according to slat weight, opening size and frequency of use; for details, see our article on aluminium roller shutter motor selection.
Conclusion and next step
With its rust-free construction, light weight, quiet operation and anodised/RAL colour options, the aluminium roller shutter is a strong choice for shopfronts, office buildings, pharmacies and coastal facilities. At high-security locations it can be fitted with thick-walled extruded slats. You can review the series and technical details on the aluminium roller shutter page and submit a free site survey request for your shop or facility.
