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What is aluminum extrusion ? - Printable Version +- ask aluminium Forum (https://www.askaluminium.com) +-- Forum: My Category (https://www.askaluminium.com/Forum-My-Category) +--- Forum: aluminium faq (https://www.askaluminium.com/Forum-aluminium-faq) +--- Thread: What is aluminum extrusion ? (/Thread-What-is-aluminum-extrusion) |
What is aluminum extrusion ? - haomeialu - 01-24-2018 Aluminum extrusion shapes of aluminum is a technique used to transform aluminum alloy into objects (aluminium extrusion die) with a definitive cross-sectional profile for a wide range of uses. The extrusion process makes the most of aluminum’s unique combination of physical characteristics. Its malleability allows it to be easily machined and cast, and yet aluminum is one third the density and stiffness of steel so the resulting products offer strength and stability, particularly when alloyed with other metals. ![]() The Process of Aluminum Extrusion The process of aluminum extrusion consists of the following steps: After designing and creating the shape of the die, a cylindrical billet of aluminum alloy is heated to 800°F-925°F. The aluminum billet is then transferred to a loader, where a lubricant is added to prevent it from sticking to the extrusion machine, the ram or the handle. Substantial pressure is applied to a dummy block using a ram, which pushes the aluminum billet into the container, forcing it through the die. To avoid the formation of oxides, nitrogen in liquid or gaseous form is introduced and allowed to flow through the sections of the die. This creates an inert atmosphere and increases the life of the die. The extruded part passes onto a run-out table as an elongated piece that is now the same shape as the die opening. It is then pulled to the cooling table where fans cool the newly created aluminum extrusion. When the cooling is completed, the extruded aluminum is moved to a stretcher, for straightening and work hardening. The hardened extrusions are brought to the saw table and cut according to the required lengths. The final step is to treat the extrusions with heat in age ovens, which hardens the aluminum by speeding the aging process. Aluminium Extrusion Die aluminum-extrusion-mold Additional complexities may be applied during this process to further customize the extruded parts. For example, to create hollow sections, pins or piercing mandrels are placed inside the die. After the extrusion process, a variety of options are available to adjust the colour, texture and brightness of the aluminum’s finish. This may include aluminum anodizing or painting. Today, aluminum extrusion is used for a wide range of purposes, including components of the International Space Station. These diverse applications are possible due to the advantageous attributes of aluminum, from its particular blend of strength and ductility to its conductivity, its non-magnetic properties and its ability to be recycled repeatedly without loss of integrity. All of these capabilities make aluminum extrusion a viable and adaptable solution for an growing number of manufacturing needs. RE: What is aluminum extrusion ? - aluhm - 02-26-2018 Extruded aluminum is also known for its conductivity, ductility and non-magnetic properties. Extruded aluminum can also be recycled repeatedly without loosing its integrity. The extrusion process of metal starts with creating the shape of the die. Once this is done, a billet of aluminum is heated between 800 and 900 degrees Fahrenheit. The billet is put in a loader. Pressure is applied which forces the billet through the die. The extruded part is put on a run-out table as an elongated piece that is the same shape as the opening to the die. Once the new extrusion has cooled, it is placed on a stretcher. The extrusion is then straightened and hardened. The extrusions are then taken to a saw table to be cut to the necessary lengths. Lastly, the extrusions are placed in an age oven. These speed up the aging process, which hardens the aluminum. Additional steps can be taken after the extrusion process to alter the color, texture and brightness of the metal. RE: What is aluminum extrusion ? - toyota1515 - 03-19-2018 Aluminum extrusion is the process by which a billet of metal is forced through a die by a hydraulic ram to create a desired shape. Aluminum can be extruded through either a hot or cold process. The popularity of aluminum extrusions is unmatched by other alloys, and continues to meet all new manufacturing needs and environmental guidelines. ![]() Types General extrusion occurs in both a hot and a cold process. The functional difference between the hot, or direct, extrusion process and the cold, or indirect, process occurs in the placement of the billet and the ram. In the direct process, the billet remains stationary and the ram forces it through the die. In the indirect process, it is the die that remains stationary and is pushed by the ram into the billet. In both methods, hardening of the extruded aluminum can take place either at a naturally-cooling room temperature or by adding additional heat treating. Identification While both methods of extrusion are used for various alloys, aluminum alloys usually rely on the direct extrusion process. Prior to being forced through the die in the direct extrusion process, the aluminum billet is heated to temperatures ranging from 700 to 900 degrees F. The hydraulic ram then pushes a dummy block into the preheated billet, driving it through a cylinder at a speed determined to generate the necessary heat that will mold it through the die. Considerations While the extrusion of aluminum proves to be highly effective, extruding alloys of greater durability are less popular because this is not as economical. These higher-strength alloys are extruded at more than 1,000 feet per minute. More durable alloys need to move at a greater speed in order to contain the heat that is generated, thus enabling them to accommodate the malleability required for extrusion. The casualties of this fast extrusion process often occur because the heat rises so greatly that they weaken and crack. Significance From everyday items to the world of tomorrow, extruded aluminum continues to be the most viable solution for manufacturing needs. At work, at home and at school, from window casings to picture frames to chalk trays, aluminum extrusions can be commonly found in a variety of structural shapes. Most recently, extruded aluminum tubing has been used to form the truss structures that bind together sections of the International Space Station. Potential The use of aluminum as the preferred metal in the extrusion process also proves to be environmentally conscious. Because of the high recyclability of aluminum, and due to its acceptance as a reliable structural metal among builders, extruded aluminum is a vital part of the current green building movement in the World.. |