Aluminium extrusion is a process used to transform aluminium alloys into a remarkable array of products for both industrial and commercial markets. Aluminium extrusions are found in other simple and complex shapes like rod, bar and hex products, channels, H-beams, structural angles, pipes, I-beams. However extruded aluminium tubings are the most popular and widely used. Aluminium extrusions have several uses in electronic industries, mass transit, bridge decking, solar/renewable energy industries, telecommunications and automotive industries. Some of these have been discussed below: (Information Credit – http://www.eurosteel.co.za/aluminium/std-extruded-tubing/)
- Transportation/automotive industry: Due to the high strength-to-weight ratio, aluminium extrusions are perfectly suited for use in engine blocks, panels, transmission housings, roof rails, railway and subway cars, chassis of boats, cars and trucks, different parts of vehicles. There is significant demand for aluminium extrusions as structural components in the production of lighter-weight automobiles.
- Due to the efficient heat conducting capacity of aluminium, aluminium extrusions are also used in air conditioners, automobile radiators, nuclear reactors, condenser tubes, heating and cooling equipment of computers, pharmaceutical thawing equipment, audio/visual systems and other types of electronic equipment.
- One of the greatest properties of aluminium is that it has natural rust and corrosion resistant properties. This is because of the presence of a third, naturally present protective layer of aluminium oxide which is bonded to its surface.
- Due to the property of non-magnetism, aluminium extruded tubings are used to contain coaxial wires and cables. These are useful in high-voltage applications, in domains where magnetic fields are present or in areas where sensitive magnetic equipment is in use.
- In the construction industry, aluminium extrusions are used to resist distortion caused by harsh weather conditions and building movement. The extruded aluminium tubings retain flexibility, strength and durability under heavy loads and thus have the ability to recover from the shock of impacts.
- Due to the attribute of high reflectivity, aluminium extrusions are utilized to safeguard products or areas from external factors like light, infrared radiation and radio waves.
Process of aluminium extrusion:
The aluminium extrusion process is carried out by taking advantage of the metal’s remarkable malleability. The process of extrusion results in shapes by heating billets of the aluminium alloy. Heating is done in order to soften them and subsequently force them with a hydraulic press or strike under high pressure through special steel dies. The results of the aluminium extrusion are pieces of aluminium that retain the specific shape of the die. The extruded aluminium tubing’s go through a plethora of fabrication and /or finishing processes in order to enable their transformation into usable components. These processes are cutting, machining, punching, welding, and bending. These are manufactured in both standard and custom-ordered shapes and sizes.
Using a large number of resources and remarkable technical skills, the aluminium supply companies manufacture a wide range of high quality aluminium extrusion products. Due to the wide range of benefits, different types of aluminium extruded products have a huge commercial demand.
