Aluminum Extrusion Process

https://www.yuhfield.net/en/service/aluminum-extrusionalumi 4
2020/12/25
Yuh-field

The aluminum extrusion process is pivotal in shaping aluminum into complex, durable forms while enhancing its natural properties. This process not only strengthens the metal but also imparts a protective aluminum oxide layer, offering weather resistance and an attractive natural finish. Below is a detailed look at how this transformative process works and its advantages.
 

What is aluminum extrusion?

Aluminum extrusion is a manufacturing process where aluminum is heated and then forced through a die to create objects with a fixed cross-sectional profile. The result is a long piece of material with the same shape as the die opening, making it perfect for a wide range of applications. This technique is widely utilized due to its ability to produce lightweight yet strong components with intricate geometries.
 

How the aluminum extrusion process works

The extrusion process can be likened to squeezing toothpaste from a tube. The toothpaste, which represents the aluminum, takes the shape of the round tip or die as it’s pushed through. By changing the die, different shapes and profiles can be formed. Here’s a step-by-step overview:

  1. Die Creation: A custom die is created based on the desired cross-sectional shape. This die acts as a mold for the aluminum as it is extruded.
  2. Heating the Aluminum Billet: The aluminum billet, which is a cylindrical piece of aluminum, is heated in a furnace to a temperature between 750ºF and 925ºF. This makes the aluminum soft and malleable, ready for extrusion.
  3. Lubrication: A special lubricant or smut is applied to both the billet and the ram (the tool that pushes the billet through the die) to prevent the aluminum from sticking during the extrusion process.
  4. Extrusion: The heated billet is transferred to the extrusion press, where a hydraulic ram pushes it through the die, forming the desired shape.
  5. Continuous Extrusion: The process is continuous, with new billets being welded to the end of the previous one, allowing for long, uninterrupted extrusions.
  6. Cooling: The extruded aluminum is rapidly cooled using air, water sprays, or baths to solidify and stabilize the profile.
  7. Stretching and Straightening: The cooled aluminum is moved to a stretcher, where it is straightened and work-hardened, increasing its strength and relieving internal stresses.
  8. Cutting to Length: The extrusions are cut to the required lengths and either cooled naturally or moved into aging ovens to accelerate the aging process.
  9. Finishing: Depending on the application needs, the extruded profiles can be anodized, painted, machined, or bent to achieve the desired final product.
     

Types of aluminum extrusion: direct vs. indirect

There are two main methods of aluminum extrusion:

  • Direct Extrusion: The most common method, where the billet and ram move in the same direction. This method is straightforward and widely used in the industry.
  • Indirect Extrusion: In this method, the die moves toward the stationary billet, which offers advantages such as reduced friction and lower energy consumption, making it a more efficient process in certain applications.
     

Advantages of aluminum extrusion

The natural characteristics of aluminum make it ideal for extrusion. Some of the key advantages include:

  • Versatility: Aluminum can be shaped into complex, intricate designs, providing engineers and designers with endless possibilities for innovative solutions.
  • Strength and Resilience: The extrusion process increases the strength and resilience of aluminum, making it suitable for demanding applications.
  • Corrosion Resistance: Extruded aluminum naturally resists corrosion due to the protective oxide layer that forms on its surface, extending the lifespan of the final product
     

Applications of aluminum extrusion

Aluminum extrusions are used in a wide array of industries, including:

  • Automotive: Lightweight yet strong components for vehicles.
  • Aerospace: Precision-engineered parts for aircraft.
  • Construction: Structural elements in buildings.
  • Consumer Electronics: Casings and frames for devices.

The ability to create lightweight yet durable components makes aluminum extrusion an essential process in modern manufacturing.
 

Partner with yuh-field industry for quality aluminum extrusions

Yuh-Field Industry is a leading manufacturer specializing in OEM aluminum extrusion profiles, machining, and anodizing. With advanced technology and a commitment to quality, all our extrusion profiles are crafted in Taiwan, ensuring cost-effective solutions for your OEM projects.

Ready to take your project to the next level? Partner with Yuh-Field Industry and leverage our expertise in aluminum extrusion. Contact us today to discuss how we can bring your vision to life with precision and quality.