American Aluminum Extrusion
Aluminum extrusions have been around since 1797, and were used for making pipes. This, of course, was before the availability of machinery and dies. Businesses used manual labor until hydraulic powdered presses were invented in 1820. Metals such as copper, bronze, steel, and iron were used for centuries before the introduction of aluminum, which was only identified as an elemental metal in 1807.
Though aluminum was only first refined in 1825, it’s always been characterized as a luxurious metal and, at one stage, was even more expensive than gold. In the 1880s, the smelting process was invented, and aluminum became more affordable as a commercial metal. In those days, aluminum was used for rolling, forging, and casting.
The hot extrusion process was invented by Alexander Dick in 1894, which was then applicable to most non-ferrous alloys. In North America, the aluminum extrusion press made its first appearance in Pennsylvania in 1904. This led to a spike in aluminum applications and was especially popular in the manufacturing of automotive parts. This inevitably steered the industry into burgeoning demand, and aluminum extrusion reached a peak during the two World Wars.
The World Wars used aluminum extrusion processing for the quick manufacturing of aircrafts and other military equipment. Naturally, aluminum extrusion continued its development well after World War II and even made its appearance in the residential housing sector.
The Growth of Aluminum Extrusion in America
Today, aluminum extrusions have reached a global market, reaching a worth of US$75.1 billion in 2018. In fact, the automotive industry accounts for a major rise in demand due to the introduction of hybrid and electric vehicles. But – why use aluminum extrusions for automotive parts?
- Excellent weight-to-strength ratio
- Saves costs
- Versatility of fabrication after extrusion
Aluminum Extrusion Use for Daily Life
As the aluminum extrusion industry continues to grow, it’s used more and more in more commercial sectors and incorporated into our daily lives. We may not notice it, but aluminum extrusion is progressively shaping our lives with its numerous anti-corrosion capabilities, power-to-weight ratio, and versatility.
Why Use Aluminum Extrusion in Daily Life Products?
Aluminum is not only one of the most abundant metals found in the Earth’s crust, but it can also be recycled, which is a huge plus today. What’s more, it’s not just completely recyclable, but also maintains its quality each time it is recycled. Also, aluminum doesn’t rust, is non-magnetic, and it can easily conduct heat and electricity. Another reason why it’s so widely used today, is because it is lightweight, easily molded into whatever shape you need it, and maintains its strength.
Where Do We Use Aluminum extrusions in Daily Life?
The application of aluminum extrusion can go on for a lifetime, but the main products we find in our daily lives include transportation, commercial and residential buildings, packaging, electrical components, hardware tools, lighting, sporting equipment, furniture fittings, and more.
American aluminum extrusion continues to boom to this very day, and will continue to be used in new innovative applications. Can you spot the various aluminum extrusions in your home and lifestyle? For more information on what true American aluminum extrusion looks like, contact us today for a quote on your next project.