- 8 September 2024
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Aluminum extrusion (pressing) is an industrial forming process used to produce long cross-section aluminum profiles.
Extrusion of aluminum profiles actually begins with the design, since the parameters of the part and its purpose largely determine many of the production parameters. Processing, finishing and application issues determine the alloy of the workpiece. The purpose of the profile determines its shape, and therefore the shape of the die.
Alloys are metallic materials composed of more than one metal. Aluminum extrusion alloys contain small amounts (usually less than 5%) of elements such as copper, manganese, silicon, magnesium or zinc. These elements improve the natural properties of aluminum and affect the extrusion process.
Aluminum profiles are usually produced by direct extrusion. The starting material for extrusion is a billet, which can be hollow or whole, and is usually cylindrical in shape. Before being loaded into the press, each workpiece is heated to a temperature of 375°C to 500°C, depending on the alloy from which it is made. The die is then cleaned and prepared and heated, and extrusion of the aluminum profiles begins. A hydraulic piston presses the punch of the press into the back end of the workpiece, pushes the metal through the holes of the die, which, in the form of a profile, moves further along the output and receiving tables of the press. It is the shape of the die opening and its design that determines the shape of the future profile. Standard lengths range from 26 inches (660 mm) to 72 inches (1830 mm). Outside diameters range from 3 inches (76 mm) to 33 inches (838 mm); the most common diameters are 6 inches (155 mm) to 9 inches (228 mm).
The process of extruding aluminum profiles continues until 10-15% of the workpiece (press residue) remains in the container. The remainder is sent to waste for smelting.
The vast majority of aluminum profiles are made from heat-hardening alloys and go through the following steps to achieve the required level of strength:
- Quenching on the press - cooling the profiles with fans or air jets, quenching is carried out directly on the output and output table of the extrusion press.
- Separate heat quenching: after cutting, profiles are reheated, then quenched in special quenching tanks with water (vertical, horizontal). Suitable for profiles and high alloys.
- Hardening by aging at 170-200°C
The aluminum profile extrusion process is a method of manufacturing semi-finished products for metal structures, which reduces the duration of the technological cycle. The extrusion of aluminum profiles has many advantages. First of all, the press of aluminum profiles allows you to quickly process the component. Extrusion makes it possible to maintain precise dimensions and specific shapes. During extrusion, the profile becomes stronger, its plasticity, resistance to corrosion, chemicals and mechanical damage is improved.
Extruded products are characterized by lightness, durability (up to 50 years) and environmental friendliness, which allows them to be used in construction (production of roller shutters, sandwich panels, fencing, flooring), furniture production, heavy industry and other industries.
The extrusion of aluminum profiles makes it possible to create aluminum that can be anodized, enameled, powder coated in any color and decorated with textured patterns. The main types of extruded profiles by cross-sectional shape are:
- T-shaped profiles.
- I-beam (H) - with a wall and two shelves.
- Corner - L-shaped configuration.
- Channel (U-shaped) - with parallel shelves.
- Bar - with a symmetrical section in the shape of a square, circle, rectangle, hexagon.
- Z-shaped bar.
- Profile pipe - cross-section in the shape of a circle, square, hexagon.
