WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT EXTRUDED ALUMINUM
Once an aluminum alloy is formed, what comes next for the raw material? It can be made of extruded aluminum. Read on to learn more about what aluminum extrusions are and how they allow aluminum to take on a multitude of shapes and purposes.
What is Extruded Aluminum?
Extruded aluminum is the by-product of heating the aluminum material and pushing it through a die. An aluminum billet is heated to a high temperature, around 900 ° F, then loaded into an extrusion press. Once pressure is applied by a ram, the raw material is sent through the die to produce a molded shape. Arguably, it's like shipping Play-Doh through a press that produces unique shapes.
Once the raw aluminum has passed through the die, it cools and hardens. It can then be cut into desired lengths for the finished product.
What alloys are the best for extrusion?
The 6xxx series aluminum alloys tend to cope well with the extruded aluminum process. In particular, three alloys appear in extrusion applications.
6005 Aluminum
6005 aluminum can be used in designs that require high corrosion resistance and moderate strength. This alloy contains significant amounts of silicon, which reduces its melting temperature and improves its extrudability. 6005 also has flexural properties, so it is not the best choice for applications that may be subject to overloads or impacts.
6005 aluminum extrusions appear in pipe, automotive connectors, ladders, and structural applications.
6063 Aluminum
6063 aluminum is widely used in extrusions because it offers a high-quality finish and corrosion resistance. Its electrical conductivity makes it an excellent choice for electrical piping and applications.
Aluminum alloy 6063 is used for standard and custom aluminum extrusion designs, as well as structural tubing and tubing, seamless tubing, heat sinks, and much more. It appears in end products such as window and door frames, irrigation system pipes and tubes, handrails, and furniture and electrical conduits.
6463 Aluminum
Made from approximately 98% raw aluminum and small amounts of copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, silicon, and zinc, 6463 aluminum offers high density and yield strength. It is most often used in architectural or construction applications. Extruded aluminum made from 6463 works well for bar, tube, rod, wire, and other types of custom profiles.
Extruded Aluminum Shapes
Extruded aluminum can be formed into solid, semi-hollow, or hollow shapes from aluminium extrusion profiles manufacturers. The aluminum extrusion molding apparatus has been compared to a cake decorating kit. A star tip on the pastry tube produces a star-shaped frosting and a flower tip creates a flower pattern. The extrusion process is very similar. Extruded aluminum, with the help of dies and hydraulic presses, can be formed into a variety of standard and custom shapes.
Here are some standard shapes of aluminum extrusion:
Extruded aluminum channels
Aluminum channels are forms of aluminum that have a hollow center and variable wall thicknesses. There are a variety of styles of aluminum channels available. Common shapes include C channels, Z channels, and U channels. Other categories include slide rail channels, cap channels, nut channels, and architectural aluminum channels.
Extruded Aluminum with T-slot
With T-slot extruded aluminum shapes from best aluminium company in Chennai, there is a negative space T-track that allows parts to interlock and secure in place without the need for welding or joining together. Once in place, fasteners, nuts, padlocks and other items can be used to hold the pieces together to form a modular construction.
Extruded aluminum 80/20
Sometimes referred to as a "fitter set", 80/20 shapes allow end users to build their own projects using T-slot aluminum extrusions.
Extruded aluminum frames
Extruded aluminum frames are just that; provide a metal framework for industrial projects and equipment. They are typically created from T-slotted aluminum shapes.
Extruded aluminum tubes
Extruded aluminum tubes are a hollow, linear article aluminum product. They can be cylindrical, square or rectangular. Extruded aluminum tubes from Tamilnadu aluminium company find their way into applications such as railings, window frames, and other architectural products.