Understanding Aluminum Extrusion Process By Dave Lavoie At Isnare.com Ezine Articles

Extrusion is the process of forcing an object into a shape by using pressure and heat. Aluminum is the most common material being extruded. In an aluminum extrusion process, there are several stages to be undertaken. Specific machineries are necessary in the process. We will try to help you understand Aluminum Extrusion process herewith.

Materials needed for aluminum extrusion

•Pure Aluminum logs
•Alloy
•Powder Alumina
•Liquid Nitrogen or Nitrogen Gas
•Smelting Machine
•Extrusion Press
•Log table
•Transveyor
•Die
•Stretcher

Aluminum extrusion is necessary to give the aluminum high strength to weight ratio. Aluminum is lightweight and thus extrusion is necessary to make it stronger like other metal.

Other advantages of using aluminum extrusion material are its anticorrosive nature and the thermal and electrical conductivity of aluminum, which helps in aerospace products, architectural framing, circuit board, vending machine and many more.

Now, that we know that there are many uses of aluminum extruded materials, let us look at aluminum extrusion process.

Aluminum extrusion process

Depending on the use of the aluminum extrusion, you will need to know the composition you need for the finished products. This will define the alloy needed in the process. Once this is defined, then you can move on the actual process.

Step 1

Put the aluminum logs in the smelting machine. You will need to set the right temperature i.e., 800-925 degrees Fahrenheit.

Step 2

Within the smelting machine, the aluminum logs will undergo heating to a melting point, then, it will pass through a cryolite bath. Within the cryolite bath, the logs will be applied alumina powder. Because of the alumina powder, the aluminum logs will have a hard outer skin as it cools down.

Step 3

In the extrusion press, the aluminum logs will undergo three different heat zones. Each zone will vary in uses, the first is just a warm up, the second is the real heat for extrusion and the last one is the heat to push the aluminum through the die.

Step 4

A shear is necessary to produce the charge for the press. The shear will likewise be necessary to set the right length before the aluminum billet enters the die.

Step 5

The transveyor will carry the aluminum billets to the press. Then, the ram will push the hot aluminum billet into the die. The aluminum billet has to be lined properly or the aluminum billets will spillover. Thus, the next important part of the press is the container, which will line the aluminum billet into the die to avoid spillover.

Step 6

After the die, the extrusion press will apply an exit temperature to the aluminum. The target exit temperature is dependent on the alloy. This is commonly defined by the experienced extrusion worker.

Step 7

After the aluminum extrusion has cooled down from the extrusion press, it will be moved to the stretcher. It will be straightened and hardening works will be performed.

Step 8

The final step is sawing. It will be sawn to the required length.

Aluminum extrusion is a process that needs several machines and experienced machine operator. You may want to do it yourself but the necessary machines may not be available. Thus, if you need materials such as aluminum extrusion, you may need to acquire this from reliable suppliers.

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