Aluminum Extrusion
Aluminum Extrusion is when aluminum alloy material is forced through a die according to specific measurements and profiles. This process involves a powerful ram pushing the aluminum through the die, from which the part emerges in the shape of the die and is then pulled out along a runout table. Though the shapes may look simple, the extrusion process creates shapes that are much more complex than what would otherwise be possible.
Our team at ERD Metal uses only the latest and most advanced technology to produce the desired aluminum extrusion shapes. We work on tight mechanical specifications and consistent surface quality to ensure the result is as expected.
Custom aluminum extrusion at ERD Metal is accomplished with three key presses in our extrusion line, including 1350 tons Mei Rey, Taiwan, 1600 tons Loewy, UK, and 1900 tons SMS Inns. Additionally, we have a billet brushing system, two aging ovens, die polishing machines, and speed control systems to increase product quality, promote flexibility, avoid extrusion lines, and prevent differences in color after the anodizing process.
Our aluminum extrusion dies are only of the highest quality, able to control heat and uneven pressure. This means that the end product will be of the highest quality as well.
The Aluminum Extrusion Process
The three main categories of extruded shapes include solid, hollow, and semi-hollow. We can produce multiple, adjoining shapes to match your specific requirements. There are ten steps involved in the extrusion process, which include:
- Extrusion Die Preparation and Loading to the Extrusion Press
- Preheating the Aluminum Billet Before Extrusion
- Transferring the Billet to the Extrusion Press
- The Ram Pushes the Billet Material into the Vessel
- Extruded Material Appears through the Die
- Guiding and Quenching the Extrusions Along with the Runout Table
- Trimming the Extrusions to Table Length
- Cooling the Extrusions to Room Temperature
- Stretching the Extrusions into Alignment on the Stretcher
- Extrusions are Cut to Length with the Finishing Saw
Heat Treatment for Mechanical Improvement
After extrusion, we heat treat the final product for further flexibility and yield stress enhancement. We generally treat alloys in the 2,000, 6,000, and 7,000 series. We accelerate the aging process by putting them into ovens and bringing them to the most common T5, T6, and any other tempers.
This treatment can significantly increase the tensile strength with up to 69MPa (10,000 psi). To effectively ensure your product is up to standard, it is of utmost importance that you understand the amount of resistance you need in your final product. Doing so will allow us to treat the alloy optimally, ensuring you get the best results for your project.
Aluminum Extrusion Technical Use
Aluminum extrusion has many uses in the electronics, automotive, doors and window façade systems, shower enclosures, lighting, furniture, RV, automation (T Slot), and beyond. Click https://erdmetal.com/capabilities/die-manufacturing to learn more about our extrusion dies.
At ERD Metal, we use a wide range of fabrication and finishing processes to ensure our products are functional and of the highest quality. These processes include machining, cutting, bending, welding, punching, and more. Furthermore, our dies can effortlessly extrude aluminum rods, bar and hex products, pipe and tubing, and more. These all include regular and custom shapes according to customer requirements.
The Importance of Aluminum Extrusions
Aluminum extrusion is an important manufacturing process that provides ideal solutions to many different industries. It’s a versatile procedure that can heat, treat, polish, and construct up to 24-foot-long profiles according to customer specifications.