U Channel for Glass: Custom Cut Aluminium
What Is a U Channel for Glass?
A U channel is an aluminium (or stainless steel) profile shaped like the letter “U.” Installers bed the glass inside the channel with setting blocks and sealant, creating a strong base and a streamlined finish. Global hardware makers describe U channels as the go-to support for frameless and semi-frameless installations because they secure fixed panels without bulky framing.
For heavier structural needs, compare glass channels with mild steel C-channels and lip channels commonly used in construction.
Common Glass Thicknesses and Channel Fit
In Singapore, most residential and light commercial projects use tempered or laminated safety glass with these typical thicknesses:
- 8 mm and 10 mm — common for shower fixed panels
- 12 mm — popular for larger partitions and storefront sidelites
Suppliers stock U channels to match these thicknesses; e.g., products tailored for 10 mm or 6 mm (¼”) glass are standard in the trade. Always confirm internal width and gasket/liner compatibility so the fit is snug.
Why Aluminium 6063-T5 Is Preferred
Aluminium 6063 T5 is the go to choice for u channel for glass in Singapore because it balances clean aesthetics, corrosion resistance, and ease of fabrication at a sensible cost. It is ideal because:
- Smooth extrusions: 6063 flows well through dies, so channels come out straight with crisp corners. Installers get tight glass fits and minimal on site adjustment.
- Great surface finish: The alloy takes anodising and powder coating evenly. You get consistent colour and a satin look that matches shower hardware and office frames.
- Corrosion resistance in wet areas: Its magnesium and silicon content forms a stable oxide layer. In bathrooms and coastal climates, the finish lasts and maintenance stays simple.
- Adequate strength for fixed panels: T5 temper means the profile is air cooled after extrusion and then naturally aged. You get reliable stiffness for shower screens and partitions without paying for unnecessary strength.
- Easy to cut, drill, and notch: Fabricators can slot, countersink, and mitre 6063 T5 quickly. That speeds up installation and reduces site downtime.
- Ready availability in Singapore: Local stockists carry common sizes and 3 to 6 metre lengths. Lead times stay short and offcuts stay low.
Aluminium 6063 T5 vs 6061 T6
Choose 6063 T5 when you need clean, straight extrusions with a premium finish, its silicon magnesium makeup extrudes smoothly, takes anodising evenly, and resists corrosion in humid bathrooms. That makes it ideal for architectural profiles like a u channel for glass, shower trims, and office partitions where appearance and fit matter.
Pick 6061 T6 when strength dominates, its higher yield strength suits brackets, frames, and load-bearing fittings, but it doesn’t extrude quite as cleanly and usually costs more. In practice, installers use 6063 T5 for visible channels and seals, then pair it with 6061 T6 for any supporting hardware that carries real loads.
If the brief shifts from architectural glazing to load-bearing frames or roof purlins, explore our custom C-purlins (lip channels) for a purpose-built solution.
For a 10 mm tempered glass shower panel, a 6063 T5 u channel for glass in natural anodised finish provides a straight, corrosion resistant base. Installers bed the glass on setting blocks, add a neutral cure silicone, and deliver a clean frameless look that holds alignment over time.
U Channel Applications
Use an aluminium U channel when you want a clean, continuous base that secures fixed glass without bulky frames. This glass channel profile keeps lines straight, simplifies sealing, and delivers a minimalist finish.
- Shower Fixed Panels
Create a neat floor, curb, or wall track for frameless screens. Set the glass on blocks and seal with neutral-cure silicone for a watertight finish. - Office Glass Partitions
Run continuous channels at floor and ceiling to hold panes plumb, improve alignment, and reduce point loads. Add gaskets for better acoustic control. - Storefront Sidelites
Seat fixed panes in channels while doors use patch fittings or hinges. Achieve a seamless look that highlights product displays. For back-of-house framing and services above ceilings, we coordinate glass lines with Unistrut channel supports to keep everything straight and serviceable.
Need added security after hours? We can pair clear glazing with expanded metal infills at selected zones without spoiling sight lines. - Stair and Landing Screens
Recess channels into the substrate for unobtrusive safety glazing. Confirm glass type and thickness to meet local safety requirements. - Balcony and Wet Areas
Pick anodised or powder-coated aluminium for corrosion resistance. Specify proper drainage and sealant to extend service life.
Singapore Safety & Compliance: What to Know
For glazing in areas with human impact (bathrooms, corridors, retail), Singapore references SS 341 for safety glazing performance, and the Building and Construction Authority (BCA) guidance documents emphasise using glazing types that mitigate injury risk and reduce spontaneous breakage hazards. In practice, that means using tempered or laminated safety glass to the relevant standard and following mounting best practices.
Spec Checklist (Before You Order)
- Glass thickness (8/10/12 mm) and type (tempered or laminated to SS 341 use-case).
- Channel internal width & depth to match glass + liners/gaskets (ask for data sheets).
- Alloy & finish (6063-T5, anodised/powder-coated) suited to wet areas.
- Length & cuts (e.g., 2.4 m, 3 m, 6 m; mitres and notches pre-cut if needed).
- Fixings & sealants compatible with your substrate and finish.
- Local compliance (use safety glass where human impact is possible).
Real Examples We Deliver in Singapore
Shower Fixed Panel — Recessed U Channel
Recessed an aluminium u channel for glass into the curb and wall, set the 10 mm tempered panel on silicone setting blocks, laser-aligned, and sealed with neutral-cure silicone for a flush, watertight finish.
- Glass: 10 mm tempered safety glass
- Channel: Aluminium 6063 T5, natural anodised
- Run length: 1.2 m continuous
- Details: Setting blocks + clear gasket liners, neat internal bead, no exposed fasteners
Office Partition — Floor-to-Ceiling Channels
Installed continuous floor and ceiling U channels, mounted 12 mm panes for rigidity, integrated a door with patch fittings, and sealed edges to improve acoustic control.
- Glass: 12 mm tempered safety glass
- Channel: Aluminium 6063 T5, black powder-coat
- Run length: 7.8 m continuous
- Details: Pre-drilled, mitred corners, laser plumb/level, neutral-cure silicone finish
Conclusion
Ready to size your u channel for glass? We cut and finish profiles to spec, then add neat details that make installs last. If you need aluminium trims and matching cover plates, our aluminium sheet fabrication team can powder-coat or anodise to your palette. For tight tolerances, we provide CNC-machined end caps and slotting so panels sit straight and seal cleanly. Prefer stainless for wet zones? We also brake-form stainless channels in 304/316 for a durable, seamless look
