How Are Aluminum Extrusions Made?
In the modern world, metal products and materials are in extremely high demand. Countless items that we use in daily life are made with or powered by some type of metallic device and in many cases, both. The construction industry alone requires billions of pounds of these materials each year. It’s no wonder that the metal industry is in constant need of new and recycled products.
One of the most versatile of all the metals is aluminum. However, like any other kind of product, it must be designed and shaped properly to serve a function it is being used for. Whether it is creating large beams for placement in buildings or a simple beverage can, the materials must be manufactured correctly. The purpose of today’s post is to share with our readers the process of making custom aluminum extrusions and highlight just a few of their many essential applications. At OD Metals, we specialize in the extrusion process and provide products to companies all across the globe.
How the Process Works
As a specialized aluminum extrusion supplier, we have to make sure that the materials we ship out are of the highest quality and design available. When it comes to the specifications of any metallic product, even the slightest variation is unacceptable. These materials are tasked with doing jobs where the very lives of the people who they serve may be on the line. They have to be done correctly.
The process itself is highly technical but can be easily explained. First, a die must be designed or assigned for the purposes for which it is being used for. With custom aluminum extrusions, virtually any shape which is required can be produced. The process is especially preferable when dealing with products that do not require uniform cross-sections.
It starts with the generic, unshaped aluminum rod which is referred to as a billet. The billet is heated to somewhere between 800 and 950 degrees Fahrenheit to make the material more pliable, depending on the alloy chosen. From there, it is loaded into the press and has a lubricant applied to prevent it from sticking to the ram (the arm which pushes it through the press). As pressure is applied by the ram, the billet gets wider and shorter within the container inside the machine and it begins to squeeze through the die, coming out of the other side in the designated shape.
After that, the custom aluminum extrusion is then cut and cooled. Once cool, it is run through a stretching machine to increase strength and hardness. Finally, the piece is then cut into smaller sizes to go through an artificial ageing process which further increases its durability. Other treatments may also be applied in order to imbue it with various properties before shipping.
Various Kinds of Alloys
Most aluminum extrusion suppliers use one of three main types of alloy; 1000 series, 6000 series and 7000 series. Each offers its own set of benefits, depending on what the product is being used for. The 1000 series is non-treatable with heat and has less strength than the other options. Its most common function is in products requiring high levels of conductivity. The 6000 series stands up very well to the manufacturing process and is commonly used in construction materials. The 7000 series is of the highest strength and is less affected by heat than the 6000 series, making it the preferred allow for many transportation and engine components.
The Benefits It Offers
Custom aluminum extrusions offer many benefits vs. die casting, particularly for those who are looking for specialized equipment or highly specific manufacturing. One good example is the fact that extrusions can handle much more brittle material than dies usually can. They are also much more cost-effective due to the fact that they require fewer tools and machinery. One final advantage worth noting is that custom aluminum extrusions are more ductile than die-cast pieces.
Possible Uses for Aluminum Extrusions
Aluminum extrusion suppliers provide products and materials for all different types of industries and businesses. They are used to manufacture a wide variety of parts and components for all sorts of items. These include such examples as aircraft containers, speedboats, automotive parts, bicycle frames, electronics, and many, many others. These materials are used in fields that relate to telecommunications, renewable energy, construction and countless others. The overall advantages of extrusions are nearly as limitless as the industries that use them.
As you can see, the process for creating custom aluminum extrusions is a thorough and involved one. As one of the world’s leading aluminum extrusion suppliers, Offshore Direct Metals uses our extensive expertise, equipment and technology to produce some of the most durable and reliable products available. We specialized in helping companies with all of their metal needs. We produce and ship our items directly from our factory floor to the clients we provide them for.
This eliminates the need for costly warehouse storage, allowing us to offer lower costs and reduced prices. By working with us, customers can not only be assured of a quality product from a provider with a sterling reputation in the metals industry but also a reasonable price. You can find out more by contacting us.
We can be reached at 1-855-272-3889. Our physical address is Offshore Direct Metals, Inc. 190 Escambia Lane Unit 105, Cocoa Beach, Florida 32931, USA. Get in touch with us today to learn more about how we can help your business reach its greatest potential.