The process of aluminium extrusion is truly remarkable transforming industries like construction and automotive manufacturing. It entails moulding aluminium alloys into shapes by pushing the material through a die using significant pressure. This method not provides great design flexibility but also leads to products that are lightweight, sturdy and resistant to corrosion. To fully utilise the potential of aluminium extrusions in fields it’s crucial to grasp the alloys, shapes and traits associated with this process.
Alloys
In aluminium extrusion alloys play a role as they are combinations of aluminium with other metals aimed at enhancing particular characteristics. The selection of an alloy depends on the intended use and desired properties. Utilised aluminium alloys for extrusion include;
- 6000 Series;This category encompassing alloys like 6061 and 6063 is favoured for extrusion due to its exceptional blend of strength, machinability, and weldability. These alloys find applications in sectors such as architectural structures, automotive parts and building materials.
- 7000 Series;Alloys within this series such as 7075 offer strength and durability making them perfect, for applications where robustness is key—think aerospace components or high performance bicycle frames.
Aluminium channels are commonly used for housing wiring mounting LED lights. Creating architectural details like trim and fascia due to their U shaped or C shaped cross section.
Extruded aluminium tubes and pipes hollow profiles used in heat exchangers, automotive frames and furniture fabrication showcase the versatility of aluminium extrusion.
The flexibility of aluminium extrusion allows for an array of shapes to be achieved providing designers with unmatched freedom in product development.
Key Properties;
- Lightweight;Aluminium’s lightness makes handling and transporting extruded products easy while also helping to reduce material costs.
- Corrosion Resistance;When exposed to air aluminium forms a protective oxide layer that offers resistance to corrosion in various environments.
- High Strength to Weight Ratio;Aluminium alloys boast strength to weight ratios enabling the creation of lightweight yet robust structures and components.
- Conductivity;With its exceptional heat conduction properties aluminium is ideal for applications where effective thermal management is critical such as, in heat sinks and radiators.
- Recyclability; Aluminium is easily recyclable with 75% of all aluminium ever made still being used today. Recycling aluminium consumes a small amount of energy compared to producing new material making it a sustainable choice for the environment.
To sum up aluminium extrusion provides an affordable option for a variety of uses in different industries. By familiarising themselves with the alloys, shapes and characteristics, on offer manufacturers can fully utilise aluminium extrusions to develop cutting edge and high quality products.
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