Aluminium Tactile Strips – Lightweight Directional Indicators

Overview

Guiding paths are measured in hundreds of metres, so the material cost and weight of each bar multiply quickly. Aluminium tactile strips from MetalX give a rigid metal bar with a machined linear pattern at a lower price and a third of the weight of stainless steel. They are machined in Mumbai from aluminium alloy and can be anodised for colour and extra surface hardness.

The profile matches our stainless steel tactile strips and aluminium tactile studs, so a complete aluminium system of studs and strips can be installed, or aluminium interiors can meet stainless steel exteriors at the door.

Best uses

• Interior concourses, malls and office corridors with long guiding paths.
• Export projects where freight cost is significant.
• Lightweight structures and raised floors.

For exposed exteriors, coastal sites and heavy trolley traffic, stainless steel remains the recommended material.

Why weight matters on a guiding path

A guiding path across an airport concourse or mall atrium can run a kilometre and contain more than 13,000 bars. In stainless steel that is several tonnes of metal to ship and carry; in aluminium it is a third of that, and the bar costs less. Our aluminium strips are machined to the same 280 × 35 × 4.5 mm profile as the stainless steel strips, so the two can meet at an entrance without any change in feel.

Finish and contrast

Where aluminium strips belong

Interior concourses, malls, office corridors, campuses, covered platforms, footbridges and raised floors. Not coastal exteriors, pool areas or routes cleaned with alkaline degreasers; use SS 316 there. On luggage-trolley routes stainless steel keeps its pattern longer.

Fixing and quantities

Three stems into Ø8 mm holes with epoxy on stone and concrete; 3M self-adhesive on polished tile and stone. Four bars across a 300 mm path at 75 mm centres gives about 13.3 bars per metre, with a square of warning studs at every turn and destination. Aluminium studs in the same finish are available so the whole system matches.

What affects the price

1. Finish: natural is the base; anodising adds a process.
2. Fixing: stem or 3M tape.
3. Length and ends: non-standard lengths and square ends are made to order.
4. Quantity and destination: the weight saving reduces freight on large orders.

Mistakes we see with aluminium strips

• Aluminium bars through an external entrance. Change to stainless steel at the threshold.
• Steel tools on anodised bars. Use a rubber mallet and plastic spacers.
• Bars laid across the route. Bars run parallel to the direction of travel.
• Silver bars on grey floors with no contrast check. Specify black anodising.
• Path with no warning squares. Every turn and destination needs a stud field.

Typical specification clause

“Tactile directional strips: machined aluminium alloy bars 280 × 35 × 4.5 mm, linear pattern top, clear [or black] anodised finish, three Ø8 mm stems set in epoxy anchor [or 3M self-adhesive backing], laid parallel to the direction of travel at 75 mm centres, four bars per 300 mm path, terminating in warning stud fields at all changes of direction and destinations. Manufacturer: MetalX Engineering Inc., Mumbai, or approved equal.”

Where they are in service

Mall atria and office corridors across India, covered railway platforms, university campuses, and township projects with long internal footpaths.