Wednesday 13 November 2013

Fundamentals of Aluminium Extrusion

Aluminium is a sliver white metal found in abundance in earth’s crust. Properties like high strength, light weight, corrosion resistance and cheap price make it one of the most in-demand metal in industrial world.

What Aluminium Extrusion means?

However, it’s not aluminium but aluminium extrusion that are most useful in the industrial world. The definition of aluminum extrusion in wikipedia is:


A process used to create objects of a fixed, cross-sectional profile. The two main advantages of this process over other manufacturing processes are its ability to create very complex cross-sections and work with materials that are brittle, because the material only encounters compressive and shear stresses. It also forms finished parts with an excellent surface finish. Compared to steel, Aluminium has one third density and rigidity; thus, it bends more easily into various shapes without compromising on strength and stability.

Aluminium Extrusion Process

The process of aluminium extrusion begins with the designing of the die cast. A well designed die cast can provide high quality extrusion, maximize its utility and minimize usage of raw material. Die cast engineers and company designers should ideally work together to come up with most ergonomic designs.

The next step after die casting is extrusion, which is done either by using hot chamber or cold chamber process.

In hot chamber extrusion, preheated material is loaded in the chamber where die cast is already placed. To push the material out of the die, pressure is applied. For prevention of formation of oxides in extrusion, liquid nitrogen is added.

In cold chamber extrusion material is kept at room temperature. Again for pushing out material external pressure is applied. Compared to hot chamber extrusion, cold chamber extrusion provides a faster and stronger extrusion along with better surface finish.

After extrusion is carried out and material is cooled down (in case of hot chamber process), it is cut into desired lengths.

Finally, hardening and ageing of aluminium is carried out by heating it in ageing ovens.

Benefits of Aluminium Extrusions

As there are no welded joints, the extrusions are strong and thus easier to move around. This also makes the assembly of extrusions simple and straight forward. In addition, there is smooth surface finish and the design looks attractive. The extrusions have multiple usages in automotive, retail, construction, display, stage setting, marquees and many other sectors.

Vendors of Aluminium Extrusion

Today, many companies across the world make aluminium extrusions. Manufacturers having specialized skills must be preferred. A well-designed die cast can reduce its cost and increase utility of extrusion. In addition, using right combination of alloys increases utility and improves productivity of machinery where it is placed.


In fact, China is coming up as a major hub for aluminium extrusion manufacturers. Many known names in extrusion like P&A International have set up their advanced facilities of aluminium extrusions and die casting in China to provide services all over the world. Having a set up in China ensures that they have lower total cost of ownership, allowing them to sell their high quality products at affordable rates.

Aluminium extrusion is nothing short of revolution in the way machinery works. All that one needs to ensure is that extrusion vendor they choose has the requisite expertise.

Sunday 10 November 2013

Hallmarks of Exceptional Quality Aluminium Extrusions



The demand of aluminium extrusions in various industries is high. However, not all vendors are experienced to provide great quality extrusions. 4 signs of a great extrusions are quality of raw material used, uniformity of metal thickness, adequate streamlining of junction points and smooth surface finish. More complex the cross section, more expertise is required to maintain the quality. One vendor that has the skill, the team, and the experience to provide high quality extrusions is P&A International. For more information log on to http://www.pa-international.com/products/diecasting-extrusions-china