A Guide to Aluminium Extrusions

Extrusion is a forming process that produces parts and products with a fixed cross-sectional profile. It consists of pushing the softened raw material with a piston through a die made to achieve the required profile. As the material works its way through the die, it takes the shape of the openings in the die. After the billet material passes through the die, the semi-finished part cools and hardens. The material can then be cut to the required final length or longer lengths for further processing.

Aluminium is ideal for use in extrusion operations. Its lighter material and greater malleability make it suitable for complex and hollow part designs.

At KMC Aluminium, we have extensive experience in delivering custom aluminium extrusions to customers in a wide range of industries. Below we provide an overview of the aluminium extrusion process, outlining the process steps, typical shapes produced, and common industrial applications. Additionally, we address the aluminium extrusion capabilities we offer and why we are the ideal partner for all your aluminium extrusion needs.

SUMMARY OF THE ALUMINUM EXTRUSION PROCESS

Aluminium profile suppliers operations vary from project to project, depending on the part and production specifications. However, in general, they follow the same basic process, which includes the following steps:


  • Determination of the customer profile. The customer provides KMC Metals with a drawing of the profile that needs to be extruded. At this point, it is determined if we can produce the design and meet the customer's specifications and tolerances. Any part KMC Metals manufactures for the customer must fit within a 4.5 ”diameter circle and weigh no more than 2.5 foot pounds. Once the design has final approval from the customer, the die is made.




  • Cut the aluminium into billets. Once the dies are produced, production can continue with the extrusion process. The first step is to cut the aluminium into billets (i.e. cylindrical metal blocks).




  • Heat the aluminium billets Heat the aluminium billets. The billets are then preheated to between 850 ° F and 925 ° F, which is hot enough to soften the metal but not hot enough to reduce it to a molten liquid state. While the operating temperature can be anywhere within that range, it must be constant throughout the operation. Otherwise, the final product may have non-uniform cross-sectional areas.




  • Transfer of the billets to a loader Transfer of the billets to a loader. Once the billets are heated, they are placed in a magazine and lubricated to prevent them from sticking to the extrusion equipment.




  • Billet extrusion Billet extrusion. Once placed in the loader, the billets undergo a direct extrusion process. In direct extrusion operations, a piston pushes against one end of the billet to force the other end through the die. This process continues until the entire billet has been pushed. Once the extrusions are made, they are cooled and shipped for further processing. These final steps may include stretching, straightening, hardening, cutting, heat treating, and finishing the surface.



TYPICAL SHAPES OF EXTRUDED ALUMINUM
Aluminium extrusions take many different forms. Some of the more common ways include:

-Solid shapes, such as solid bars and rods with various cross sections (for example, circles, rectangles, squares, and more)
-Semi-solid shapes, such as angles, channels, and other partially open shapes
-Hollow shapes, such as tubes with various cross sections (for example, circles, rectangles, squares, and more)

ALUMINUM EXTRUSION APPLICATIONS

Aluminium extrusions applications
Aluminium extrusion is a very versatile manufacturing process that creates many different parts and products. At KMC Aluminium, our aluminium extrusion Bangalore find application in a diverse set of industries, including the following:

Aerospace and Military
Aluminium offers a high strength-to-weight ratio, suitability for use in low temperatures, and minimal maintenance requirements, all of which make it ideal for use in aerospace and military operations. Aluminium extrusions are used as components in many different devices, equipment, and systems, such as those found on airplanes, the International Space Station (ISS), and military and hospital field sites.

Building
Aluminium extrusion profiles manufacturers serve many functions in buildings. In addition to providing structural support under normal and extreme conditions, they can enhance both functional and aesthetic qualities. For example, when designed and built with care, they can lower energy consumption or decorate more here indoor and outdoor areas.

electronics
Aluminium is commonly used for components in electronic devices due to its formability, thermal and electrical conductivity, and non-magnetic properties. Some of the electronic products that aluminium extrusion is commonly found in include cell phones, computers and laptops, electronic chassis, racks and housings, motors, and power distribution systems.

Doctor
Aluminium is ideal for use in the manufacture of components for medical equipment, such as hospital beds and test devices. Additionally, aluminium extrusions can be manufactured to tight tolerances, allowing them to meet strict industry standards.

Sports and Recreation
Aluminium demonstrates a high strength-to-weight ratio from aluminium extrusion manufacturers in India, which means it is strong without adding a significant amount of weight. It is also highly formable, accommodating a variety of complex and intricate part designs. These qualities make it suitable for sports and other recreational equipment, such as bicycle frames, roller blades, and hardware for skateboards, boats, and more.

Telecommunications
Aluminium and aluminium alloys play an important role in creating the hardware and infrastructure for the telecommunications industry from the list of aluminium extrusion companies in India. Metal is lightweight, which reduces transportation and installation costs, and conducts electricity well. Common applications for aluminium extrusions in the telecommunications industry include satellite cables and parts.

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