Shape Aluminum
Posted on Tuesday, October 2nd, 2007 at 11:33 pm
Aluminum extrusion
The process of extrusion is particularly adapted for the production of a variety of metal shapes. An extrusion press is capable of producing as many shapes as there are differently shaped dies to fit it. Intricate shapes can be produced by this process which cannot be made in any other manner, and many shapes which can be produced otherwise are often made by the extrusion process until it is possible to justify single-purpose equipment.
It is common usage to designate the capacity of extrusion presses by the number of tons pressure the press can put upon the metal to be extruded: in aluminum extrusion practice, presses vary from about 200 tons to as high as 5,000 tons. For convenience, the majority of small presses are built to operate in a vertical position. For structural reasons and because of other practical considerations, the larger presses are built to operate in a horizontal position. The commercial designs vary greatly, but in general metal is either extruded at the end of the ingot container farthest from the ram, or the metal is forced through the ram, which, in this case, is hollow. Solid and hollow shapes may be produced by extrusion. Hollow shapes, such as tubes, require a mandrel suitably held in the die opening so that metal flows through the die, around the mandrel. A press may be provided with a number of container® of different sizes in which the ingot is held during extrusion. Some of the larger presses will take ingots with a diameter of 14 inches and a length of 35 inches. The dimensions of extruded shapes are limited by the diameter of the ingot container and its length, and these two dimensions are in turn dependent upon the press capacity and the physical properties of the metal or alloy to be extruded, and, to a less extent, upon the kind of section desired.
For extrusion the ingots are usually preheated and placed in the press. Depending upon the particular design of press, the die may be placed in position either before or after the press is charged. Pressure is then applied to advance the ram against the ingot and force the metal through the die opening. In some cases, more especially in smaller presses, the ram is stationary so that the container with the ingot to be extruded moves against the ram. During extrusion the pressure applied is controlled so that the metal flows through the die at a predetermined rate. With pure metal the rate of metal flow is not particularly important but with certain alloy compositions the rate of metal flow has a pronounced effect upon the surface of the extruded product, and also affects the physical properties. This is particularly true when the extruded material has a cross-section of irregular out-line. After the extrusion operation there remains in the container a certain portion of the charged ingot. In most instances this butt portion is scrapped, especially when the physical properties of the product are of prime importance.
The ingots used are, for the most part, cast in suitable molds. In some cases, however, the billet used may be a product of a working operation, as for example, rolled rounds. For the production of solid extruded sections a solid ingot is used, and for hollow sections a hollow ingot is used. Hollow ingots may be cast as such, but they may also be produced by a piercing operation on a solid ingot or billet.
Both pure metal and aluminum alloys are extruded. Pure metal is used for the production of molding and such articles as do not require the physical properties obtained in strong alloys. Aluminum alloys are employed in the production of many structural shapes such as I-beams, channels, H-beams, angles, tees and special and intricate shapes which cannot be produced in any other manner, such as specially designed sections for aircraft construction. This class of product is usually heat treated after the extrusion operation. The extrusion process is also employed for the production of tubing blooms and to provide forging stock.
Click on Aluminum extrusion for more information
About the Author
I’m a mechanical engineer with 10+ years of experience in aluminum smelting industry. You can find more info on the aluminum industry visiting aluminumsmeltingprocess.com
Drop Testing Aluminum VS. Shape Memory Alloy
|
|
Wilton Sports Ball Pan Set $8.67 The leader in cake decorating tools Wilton doesn’t mess around with anything but the best! Their bake ware is the choice of serious bakers for wedding cakes and other special occasions. Features: thick durable construction, pure aluminum for consistent and professional results. Constructed of Aluminum for rust resistance and easy washing. Pan takes any 2-layer cake mix and includes instructions. I… |
|
|
Pyrex 6004023 6-Piece Glass Rectangular Storage Set with Blue Lids $14.44 Keep your leftovers chilled or frozen in these durable glass containers with plastic lids. The clear glass lets you see at a glance what’s inside, and the stackability factor helps you neatly store dried pasta, cereal, and other items on your shelf. When you’re ready to reheat those leftovers, bring to room temperature then warm in the oven or microwave. Pyrex glass is nonporous, so it won’t stain… |
|
|
Wilton 2105-5038 Giant Cupcake Pan $18.80 Cupcake lovers will flip over this super-sized cupcake pan from Wilton Dimensions. Designed to create one giant confection with a sculptural top and bottom, the piece turns out a 3D cupcake that measures approximately 7-1/4 by 7-1/2 inches. The concept is simple–bake the top and bottom halves in the same pan, stick them together with icing, and decorate according to the occasion. Ridges around th… |
|
|
The Beatles [USB] $281.00 All products are BRAND NEW and factory sealed. Fast shipping and 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed…. |
|
|
Stanley TR250 SharpShooter Plus Heavy Duty Staple/Brad Nail Gun $16.00 The model… |
|
|
Dremel EZ406 1 1/2-Inch EZ Lock Rotary Tool Cut-Off Wheel and Mandrel Metal Cutting Starter Kit $10.75 If you regularly use cut-off wheels for your crafting and repair jobs, the Dremel EZ406 EZ Lock Starter Kit is a must-have addition to your home shop or crafting room. By providing faster and easier mandrel-mounted accessory changes without a screwdriver, this kit helps save you time and effort so you can focus on your projects..caption {font-family: Verdana, Helvetica neue, Arial, serif;font-size… |
|
|
12′ Extended Multi Fold Purpose Aluminum Ladder 300 lbs $53.99 This ladder can have at least 7 different uses and functions. With 3 multi position articulating hinges that allow 18 different configurations, this ladder can be a step ladder, double step ladder, extension ladder, mezzanine ladder, multi-lever ladder, platform scaffold or a stair-step scaffold. Made with high quality aluminum, lightweight and rustfree. With all these features, you won’t need to … |
|
|
Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream … |
|
|
Duro-med Bamboo Bath Seat $46.00 This Bamboo Bath Seat is a great option for safe seating in the shower! Made of bamboo with a powder-coated aluminum tubing frame, this sturdy shower seat features a triangular shape, so it can compactly fit into the corner of a shower stall or bathtub. The non-slip rubber tips ensure safe use, while the vented seat helps prevent soap and water build-up. This shower stool withstands exposure to wa… |
|
|
Renac ( New Name Stylenac ) Hot Electric Hair Styling Brush Iron * New 10 Rows Of Metal Teeth $40.99 *** Shipping NEW Cranberry Color Handle **** **** New Name STYLENAC **** The only ALL ALUMINUM barrel on the market “10 rows of teeth” The Renac Hot Electric Styling Brush cuts styling time by 50% 3/4″ barrel ( regular size ) Curls, shapes, or straightens, for the Professional look… Features: * Swivel handle keeps brush turning to any direction. * On/off switch with “on” indicator * 2 he… |