Aluminum Extrusion: A Step-by-Step Guide

Metals and Mining Review | Tuesday, July 25, 2023

In recent years, aluminum extrusion has grown in popularity in product development and manufacture.

Fremont, CA: Aluminum extrusion is the process of pushing aluminum alloy material into a die with a certain cross-sectional form. A large ram drives the metal through the die and the die aperture. When this happens, it emerges in the precise shape of the die and gets dragged off along a runout table.

On a fundamental level, the procedure is a really simple approach to grasp. The force applied is akin to crushing a tube of toothpaste with one palm. When users squeeze the tube, the toothpaste pours out in the shape of the opening. The entrance of a toothpaste tube serves the same function as an extrusion die.

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Steps involved in Aluminum Extrusion

Prepare the Extrusion Die

The first step is to create a round-shaped die. You can, however, use one that is already accessible. Next, preheat the die to 450-500 0C before beginning the extrusion operation. This maintains equal metal flow and extends the life of the die. After preheating, the die may get loaded into the extrusion press.

Preheat Aluminum Billet

The Billet, a thick cylindrical block of aluminum alloy, is then carved from an extended log of material. Next, preheat the oven to 400-500 degrees Celsius. This technique softens the Billet sufficiently to do the operation. It also prevents it from becoming molten.

Feed the Billet into the Extrusion Press

After preheating the Billet, mechanically insert it into the press. However, before inserting it into the press, you must apply lubrication. Next, use the releasing agent to the extrusion ram as well. This procedure will keep the ram and Billet from sticking together.

Push Billet Material into Extrusion Press Container

The malleable Billet is already in the extrusion press at this point. The hydraulic ram can deliver 15,000 tonnes of pressure here. The malleable Billet is pushed into the container by pressure. The aluminum elements then expand to fill the walls of the container.

The extruded material is pressed up against the die

As the aluminum material fills the container's wall, it presses on the extrusion die. At this moment, the material is constantly under strain. As a result, its only path is down the die openings. Then, finally, it emerges from the die holes in a completely formed shape.

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