Machining operations that are done after an aluminum part has been extruded can be simpler to do since following this order in the manufacturing process allows designers to place finishing touches on when and where they are structurally necessary, thus lowering the overall production cost.
A custom aluminum extrusion manufacturer may choose to use either of the common extrusion processes, direct or indirect. In direct extrusion, a small bar of unshaped aluminum alloy is forced under extreme pressure to fit into a die opening forming an elongated shape or tube. To from hollow aluminum products a mandrel, which is either part of the die system or a separate device, will help to form the hollowed out inside shape.
Custom aluminum extrusion suppliers who can effectively use technology are able to produce successful aluminum designs. Many factors must be taken into account when designing extruded aluminum pieces such as the properties of the available alloys, the cost of those material and the tooling costs, as well as which fabrication method is most applicable.
The extrusion process work more effectively with particular aluminum alloys and is a cheaper method for designer to have parts with intricate shapes engineered. The flexibility that these custom aluminum extrusion manufacturers provide allows designers to add or remove metal for additional applications and to save money and resources.
Custom aluminum extrusion does not limit designs to standardized profiles as does steel production and allows for the consolidation of parts an lessens the need for joining connections as is required with sheet stock.
According to a recent article in Machine Design, preoccupation with strength causes many designers difficulties, since at first the higher-strength aluminum alloys listed in the Aluminum Standards may seem more appropriate for a certain design. But, due to the high-strength alloys additional cost, they may not be the optimum choice for production.
Having a higher strength will not will not absolutely raise the rigidity of the part. The stronger alloy is only necessary if peak performance must be assured or repetitive conditions will necessitate a higher strength material. If the lower strength alloy will not fatigue with peak or cyclic use, then typically a 50% thickness increase will be sufficient for added rigidity and still be lighter than steel.
Contact Getec Industrial at 888-999-8499 to plan your project.
