The word extrusion is rooted in the Latin word “extrudere” which means “thrust out”. In the extrusion industry the one word serves two purposes, it refers to the manufacturing method as well as the finished product. A custom aluminum extrusion can produce a host of shapes including angles, channels; square tubes, round tubes, solid shapes and shapes custom designed for a specific application.
An extrusion, be it a standard shape or a custom aluminum extrusion are all produced in the same manner. In simple terms, a block of aluminum, called a billet is heated and then pushed through a shaped die; the shape of the die is what creates the finished extrusion. An extrusion can be made to accommodate almost every shape and size, the finished part is durable, strong and the material is 100 percent recyclable.
An extrusion begins with a circular billet which is solid. The billet can be pure aluminum or it can be any alloy which has other materials added such as copper, magnesium, silicon, etc. These alloys have distinctive physical and chemical properties, they can produce an extruded component which has better corrosion resistance, stronger or is a better electrical conductor.
To begin the extrusion process the billet is heated and then coated with a lubricant. A press, most are either hydraulic or mechanical pushes the heated material through the opening in the die, the die shape is that shape of the finished extrusion. The press pressure causes the aluminum of the billet to fill the space offered by the die, taking on the form as it is forced through the die orifice. The resulting extrusion is the finished product.
As the extrusion exits the die it transfers to a cooling table where it is either allowed to cool naturally or cooled with water. Once cooled, the shape is placed on equipment that stretches the extrusion, this straightens and hardens it. The extrusion, now straight, cool and hard can be cut to any length required and finally placed in an oven where they are reheated to increase the hardness and to introduce temper.
A Eagle Mouldings custom aluminum extrusion is used for many purposes, display cabinets which are used in stores is a good example as is office furniture. Extrusions are used in cars, boats, home appliances; anywhere where the strength to weight ratio is important.
With over 20 years of experience, Eagle Mouldings can supply a custom aluminum extrusion. Eagle Mouldings are committed to making your custom extrusion a reality.
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