Aluminium Extruded Tube

extruded aluminium Tubes are metal tubes manufactured from aluminum and produced by method of extrusion.

Extrusion is a manufacturing process that is designed to produce objects (like tubing) of a fixed cross-sectional profile. The Aluminum is drawn or pushed through a die, the die is manufactured in the shape of the desired cross section. These can be created using a manufacturing process however extrusion has two main advantages:

Very complex cross section can be manufactured via extrusion.

Because the material used in this process only encounters shear and compressive stress, brittle materials can be worked with.

Hot or Cold material can be used in this process and manufacture can be continuous or semi-continuous. Semi-continuous produces many pieces whilst continuous produces in theory an indefinitely long piece.

Aluminium is not the only material that can be used to make these tubes; below I have listed some other materials and their manufacturing properties:

Aluminium: this is the most common material and can be extruded hot or cold, if extruded hot it is heated to between 300 - 600 degrees Celsius.

Titanium: is heated between 600 - 1000 degrees Celsius and is mainly used to manufacture aircraft components. Copper: heated the same as titanium is used also to create tubing, pipes, rods etc. A large pressure often more than 100ksi is required to extrude copper.

Lead and Tin: heated at a lower temperature than copper but used to manufacture the same products.

Magnesium: this is another material used to manufacture aircraft parts and is as easy to extrude as aluminum extrusion.

Some other materials include Steel and Zinc.

Aluminium Extrusion and Its Advantages

Aluminium Extrusion process is undertaken by several companies today which offer extruded products to buyers. The extrusion process is generally utilized in production. It is used to create parts of homogeneous cross-sections and is done by squeezing the material all the way through an outlet under high-pressure. Aluminium extrusions are popular all over the world since the metal is easily available on the earth's crust. Besides, aluminium is widely used in several applications and it has numerous advantages as well.

Companies manufacturing extruded aluminium products offer extruded aluminium profiles, systems and finished products and semi-manufactured components. Enterprises manufacturing aluminium products are generally in search of products that can fulfill the needs of the customers. All through the manufacturing process, manufacturers must give close attention to quality, performance, economy and precision. Aluminium extrusion is generally simple, however, it might turn complex in case the demand of customers for extruded products differ. There is an assortment of aluminium extrusion profiles today in the market and people are keener to get the best product for any particular industry. If you are in the automobile industry and are in need of aluminium extruded products you must look for certain shapes that are just the apt for your industry. A company manufacturing aluminium extruded products manufacture according to the supply orders and are capable in offering all kinds of shapes. These extruded products are fabricated and customized and are unique according to needs.

There are several advantages to aluminium extrusion.

Aluminium is a widely available metal and through constant cross section several parts can be manufactured in the most reasonable way. The process of extrusion allows taking advantage of properties of aluminium and it expands. Thus, this manner indeed versatile as you can manufacture several shapes in just a simple process.

However, you need high-tech machinery for the process and you can produce shape indefinitely without spending a fortune in preparation costs. Hence, the process is totally economical. Roll-forming dies, in case you have heard about them they are costlier than extrusion die.

aluminum extrusion products have longer life than items made from steel or plastic. Besides, extrusion is meant to be the most environmentally friendly and economical solution. Aluminium as a metal even when not compared for its extruded aluminium profiles and to weight properties. Even though it is light weight it has good strength. Aluminium is used for thermal and electrical conductivity. It is not only affordable it is also flexible in terms of shapes and size. It can adept to high temperatures and are thus preferred as utensils when used for heating water or boiling rice. It is corrosion resistant and can offer you good service over years. If you want you can easily recycle the metal. After steel all over the world aluminium is the most trusted and used metal. It can be fabricated to several shapes right from sheets, geometric shapes, to foils, tube, rod and wire.

So, if you are out there looking for aluminium extrusion profiles you can trust the process with closed eyes.

How Manufacturers Do Aluminum Extrusion?

The process of aluminum extrusion is simple and easy however it is very significant to know why extrusion is so important. In general metals like steel and aluminum is put to use in several industries, right from automobile, to telecommunication, transport, utensil manufacturing and at times even in the toy industry. Thus, both of these metals are in huge demand and find place is almost all the major manufacturing industries in the world.

Just after steel, aluminum is the other metal which is hugely popular all over the world. This can put in a manner stating that aluminum is the second most popular metal in the globe after steel. The former is widely available, has impressive properties, and is affordable, light weight, can withstand high temperatures and so on. And above all the aluminum extrusion involved in getting different shapes and forms for suppliers is cost-effective and simple. Both in US and Europe building industry and the telecom as well is highly dependent on aluminum extruded products. These products find a number of usages and are used in many applications.

So, what is aluminum extrusion profiles? This is a process through which aluminum is given certain shapes and forms. It starts with the hot cylindrical billet of aluminum which is pushed through a shaped die. The billet is cut from DC cast log and placed in heated container (450°C - 500°C). When pushed through the die the metal flows through the steel die. The die is placed at the other end of the container. Now, once the log passes it produces a section, this can be cut into shapes either in long length or short. The section is cuts according to the customized demands of the clients since the log is meant to be used for any particular industry. In certain extrusion process rectangular shaped billets. In this process only wide section sized extrusions are produced. This again depends according the demands of the supplier.

Aluminum extrusion is done for several kinds of industry and these aluminum extruded products are very commonly used in building industry. In this industry you can use aluminum in prefabricated houses/building structures, window and door frame systems, curtain walling, roofing and exterior cladding, and shop fronts. Besides, they also find place in the telecommunication and transport industry. In transport industry aluminum extruded products are found in rail vehicles, marine applications, airframes and for vehicles on the road.

So, what makes aluminum so popular? It is the versatility and the flexibility of the material that turns in so popular. Since aluminum is high temperature resistance and is corrosion resistant as well it is used to make utensils and is also used on transport vehicles. Besides, it is strong even though it is light weight and thus it is used in airframes.

So, if you are out there still deciding on selecting aluminum extruded products or some other metal you can give your votes to this metal as it is affordable and durable as well. No more second thoughts to this go ahead with aluminum extrusion and the products.

Understanding The Processes Used In Aluminum Extrusion

Aluminum is one of the most used metals in today's society - it can be found across a number of industries, such as construction and commercial, and in a number of applications, such as beverage cans and appliances. When choosing a manufacturer of aluminium extrusion for supplying the metal that you use in your workplace, however, it is important that you carefully consider which one will be best for your needs.

The manufacturer will begin by removing the aluminium from deep within the earth's crust (either as bauxite ore or feldspar). Often, the Bayer's method, Wohler's method or Hall Heroult method is chosen to remove the metal in its molten form. It is then hardened and moulded into whatever shape the manufacturer desires. When the aluminium is extracted from the earth in its solid form, it will be passed through a number of mechanical processes that are designed to give the metal its desired shape. These processes include: rolling, drawing, forging, spinning, piercing and extrusion.

Regardless of whether aluminium has been found in its molten or solid form, the manufacturer will then pass it through either a hot working or cold working process to prepare it for their customers. When using the hot working process (the most popular of the two), a billet will be heated to a temperature of over 79 degrees Celsius, which will allow the aluminium to be easily distorted and placed into its desired shape.

The reason for the popularity of the hot working process over the cold working one can be fully realized when you compare aluminum extrusion to squeezing toothpaste out of its tube. It is much easier to extrude the metal when it is malleable, meaning that it must have been heated to a certain temperature.

Finally, the aluminium will pass through an extrusion and drawing process that runs almost parallel to each other. This is the final step in the whole extrusion process and is the step that gives the metal its entire shape. Deep drawing, for example, is used give the metal a cup, conical tapered, cylinder and seamless tube shape. For less curved shapes, the drawing process is skipped.

Once you are satisfied with the processes and methods utilized by a potential manufacturer of anodized aluminum, you can begin submitting your orders with them. If, after your first delivery, you are still satisfied with the manufacturer based on the promptness of the order being filled and the quality of the aluminium that you receive, you can continue the relationship.

Advantages of Aluminum Anodizing Technology

The fast growth and widespread use of aluminum since World War II is coupled directly to the ability of anodizing processes to defend it from corrosion, improve its appearance by brightening it and offering a rainbow of colors, and also imparting ceramic-like toughness to its outer skin. Hydrated aluminum oxide is the steady form of aluminum in nature; so, unprotected aluminum exposed to air and water would corrode, forming a broken, powdery, white corrosion product. This growth of natural oxide, if not checked, will proceed as long as unreacted aluminum is exposed. It can actually be envisioned as an accelerated corrosion procedure; the difference between anodizing and the natural process is that anodizing forms a denser, constant, oxide layer.

Anodizing has numerous benefits over other coating choices. For instance, while plating and painting to protect aluminum, there will be always a barrier between the coating and aluminum substrate with these methods; the only bond between the two is mechanical. If the bond in this obstacle region is compromised by way of poor substrate preparation, mechanical damage likes scratching or gradual degradation (e.g., general corrosion), raw aluminum extrusion would be exposed and corrosion can commence.

Anodizing, on the other side, is a conversion coating method that results in a chemical link between an anodic aluminum oxide layer and the aluminum basis material, which is stronger than a mechanical bond. While painted or plated coatings over aluminum can be peeled away fastly, there is no means to separate the anodic layer from the aluminum on which it is formed. In addition to the bonding matter, paints and plated metallic layers are very softer than aluminum oxide. On the well-known Moh scale of mineral hardness, one type of naturally occurring aluminum oxide, that is corundum, is the ninth hardest out of ten. The only mineral that is harder is diamond! Keeping this in mind, it's not surprising to learn that a constituent coated with the hardest plated metal (specifically hard chrome) will wear more readily than a like component that is hard coat anodized.

Finally, the mechanism of oxide growth during anodized aluminum process results in a porous structure. This will permit further surface modifications such as:

-Dyeing to pass on nearly any color to the anodic layer

-Sealing with a lubricative stuff such as molybdenum disulfide or PTFE

-Infiltration with an adhesive for bonding applications

These factors, together with the fact that anodizing is much more economical than either powder coating or plating, point to the continued significance of anodizing as the coating of choice for aluminum in a broad range of applications. The strongest growth category for this aluminum appears to be that in the field of transportation. An estimated increase in the production of new aircraft to restore aging fleets and the auto industry's trend of raising the use of aluminum for the vehicle frames and bodies are likely to be the primary drivers of this growth. Another large category, architectural aluminum, does not seem to appear to be poised for large growth; in fact, this market might already have reached its peak.

Why Select Anodized Aluminum Cookware? The True Benefits of Anodized Aluminum Cookware

Anodized aluminum cookware is wonderful to cook with and won't warp or bend. It can be as hard as a diamond when proper anodizing methods and techniques are used. Anodizing is a method of aluminum preparation and makes this cookware stronger, and will last a lot longer.

Now, here comes an easy to understand chemistry lesson about anodizing aluminum to create fabulous cookware. Aluminum becomes stronger and more durable after the anodizing process. By putting a sheet of aluminum into a chemical bath of acetone; the acetone becomes the negative conductor of a chemical battery while the aluminum becomes the positive conductor of the chemical battery or the anode. When this process is energized, the aluminum's surface actually rusts and oxidizes. Oxidation creates a very strong coating, replacing the original aluminum. Typically oxidation will weaken most metals; but it doesn't seem to weaken aluminum. In fact, oxidation strengthens aluminium anodizing.

Recall the rusting aluminum in the chemical process? Well the rust is still part of the aluminum sheet but, because it has transformed itself, the original aluminum will not flake off under stress and will not transfer to your foods. It is sealed in during the chemical process of anodizing. This makes it quite desirable for many cooks. It is used in restaurants. This cookware is used in several food service industries, residential homes, hospitals, and industrial facilities with repeated use. Its strength and durability to heat up foods fast and cook at even temperatures is a time saver in many restaurants and bakeries. The new chemically enhanced aluminum transforms into anodized aluminum, and has become very strong and much more durable. It makes great cookware.

Anodized aluminum is now a popular material used to manufacture high-end cookware such as skillets, frying pans, and pots and pans for chef's and experienced cooks. We've long known Aluminum has a reputation of having heat evenly distributed on the bottom and sides of cookware. However, now we know anodized aluminum cookware provides a protective finish making it rust resistant, and is stronger, more durable, and as a result, more expensive.

It is utilized in several other industries outside cookware. For example satellites that circle around our Earth are protected from space debris floating because these satellites are layered with anodized aluminum. It is now recognized for its strength and durability. Other industries such as the automotive industry use anodized aluminum for trim on vehicles and for protective housings exposed on the outside of our cars. Furniture manufacturers use it for outdoor patio sets because it stands up to outside elements and weather conditions. Computers and home appliances are manufactured with anodized aluminum as a protective housing. Baking cookie sheets, pastry sheet pan, and pots and pans will be around for a long time because they will last for years using this type of cookware.anodization aluminium

[http://www.nsustech.com/process/aluminum-anodizing/] sells quality cookware for home use. Anodized Aluminum Cookware Sets, cast iron skillets, cast iron frying pans, cast iron aluminum cookware, Frying Pans, Griddles, skillets, slicers, and kitchen cooking utensils.

The History and Future of Aluminum Extrusion

Aluminum is all around you. In fact, aluminum is actually the third most abundant element (coming in after oxygen and silicon) and far and away the most abundant metal in the Earth's crust. So it truly is all around you. However, aluminum is ubiquitous in our lives in more than just the sense that it's an abundant material.

When compared to materials like copper and steel - the use of aluminum is relatively recent. This was because until the late 1800's, when the Hall-Heroult process was developed, aluminum was quite difficult to extract from the various ores it was found in. In fact, at the time ore was even more valuable than gold. With more efficient refining processes, the availability of aluminum quickly made it an incredibly popular material.

While aluminum has most likely existed since the beginning of time, modern and ancient civilization alike have constantly found more uses for the material, which leads to the topic at hand: aluminum extrusion.

In 1797 English inventor and locksmith Joseph Bramah patented the first extrusion process, which he used to make lead pipe. His early, primitive process involved forcing the metal through a die by using a hand-held plunger. This process was expanded upon with Thomas Burr's hydraulic press in 1820, which eventually led to the creation of the hot extrusion press by Alexander Dick in 1894. What was revolutionary about Dick's press was the fact that it extended the extrusion process to most non-ferrous alloys.

With the advent of extrusion came a dramatic rise in the amount of cutting end manufacturing being done, especially in the automotive industry. But aluminum extrusions aren't just found on cars. The process has been utilized in many ways since its introduction to the world. While the earliest extrusions were various pipes and wires, modern aluminum extrusions can be found in everything from sporting goods to high tech aerospace components.

While the newfound availability of aluminum made a major impact on the industrial sector, and especially the automotive industry, aluminum extrusions would prove to be an even greater game changer later on. This was seen during World War I and World War II, where the need for rapid manufacturing of aircraft was matched by short lead times afforded by the aluminum extrusion process. Because of this, the rapid development of the extrusion process received a valuable boost that propelled its expansion beyond automotive, aerospace, and military endeavors into many other industries ranging from housing to consumer goods.

Today, the aluminum extrusion process continues to see extensive growth and continued development in terms of the materials and processes used. New methods and techniques for making the extrusion process more precise and efficient are continually being found, but the legacy of the process remains the same. If the rapid growth of the extrusion process is any indication, aluminum extrusions will contribute to innovation for years to come.

Stainless Steel, Cast Iron, or Anodized Aluminum Which Is Better to Cook With?

Have you ever been standing in a store staring at cookware trying to determine which pots and pans would be better for your cooking style? There are advantages and disadvantages to each type of cookware. Whether you are a beginner, intermediate, or experienced 'chef' will determine which metal you should choose. Each type has its own purpose depending on durability, price, and cooking experience.

Stainless Steel cookware is quite durable, easy to maintain, and reasonably priced. This type of cookware is great for the beginner and everyday chef. It does not dent, scratch, or rust and can be cleaned by hand washing or even put in the dishwasher. The disadvantage is that stainless steel is not a good conductor of heat, which means it tends to cook food unevenly. Most manufacturers have added aluminum or copper in between the bottom layers to make it a better conductor of heat. When purchasing Stainless Steel Cookware be cautioned that not all sets will have an aluminum core.

The advantages of using Cast Iron cookware are its durability, efficient price point, as well as being very good conductors of heat. The problem with this traditional type of cookware is it is heavy, yet sturdy, and will initially require a little more patience when trying to season. It is the original non stick pan, but you do have to 'season' the pans. Cast iron cookware should not be washed with soap or put in the dishwasher. If you do wash with soap you will have to 'season' your pan again. This type of cookware is great for the intermediate, as well as, the experienced chef. This type of cookware may take a little longer to heat up, but will hold its temperature long after the flame has been killed. It is great for searing steaks and seafood and can be placed into the oven to finish off a dish. Cooking with these pans will undoubtedly help create a fantastic plate, but you will have to decide whether or not the maintenance is worth the time and effort.

anodized aluminum is also a great conductor of heat. However, raw aluminum is reactive to acidic foods and can dent very easily. The good news is that most manufacturers have anodized their aluminum wares. Anodizing is a thick oxide coating on the aluminum that helps increase durability and protect the cookware from denting. Once you have Anodized Aluminum the benefits are still the same as raw aluminum and the disadvantages become almost extinct. It is lightweight, easy to clean, has a non stick surface, and is very affordable. It may not be as attractive as the Stainless Steel, but the entire cookware will maintain even temperature more efficiently. This type of cookware is also used for camping because it is lightweight and durable.

Just to sum everything up, stainless steel is good for making foods that do not require high heat and activities such as, boiling water, steaming vegetables, or cooking fish. Cast Iron cookware can reach higher heat temperatures and maintain its temperature for extended periods of time making it great for searing steaks, preparing breakfast items like bacon, eggs and scrapple or even preparing a tasty roast. aluminum profile extrusion is fantastic for the everyday cook, and even for a camping trip with the family, because it is a great conductor of heat and is very light weight. In most cases, it is better to buy separate pieces of each type of cookware rather than purchasing a complete set. If you only cook on occasion, purchasing a set would be beneficial for space and financial reasons, but if you are a food fanatic and love to experiment with an array of different flavors and textures, you really should piece a set together on your own and make it yours!

Extruded Aluminum

A process that works on different kinds of metals to change their shapes and forms is called extrusion. Extruded aluminum is the most common product of this method. You can create many things from extruded aluminum profiles by punching a number of hollow cavities through it or putting several slots so that you can place bars or any material to connect it to one or more of it.

Aside from aluminum, there are several more materials which you can extrude. But before I enumerate some more of them, let me explain further what extrusion is and how it is done.

In order for you to change the shape of a metal, you should apply heat to it so that it would melt. You can make use of several tools and machineries to help you with the whole process.

There are various types of extrusion - hot extrusion, cold extrusion and warm extrusion. In hot extrusion, the temperature is kept at a high level to ensure that material is soft and will not harden easily. Hydraulic presses are often used in this type of process, that is why it is the most expensive among the three types.

In cold extrusion, the temperature is maintained at a level that is equal or below the room temperature. This is done so that the finished products will have good surface finishes and higher strength. Steel, copper, titanium, aluminum, lead, vanadium, molybdenum and tin are examples of materials commonly used in cold extrusion.

Finally, in warm extrusion, temperature is kept at a level greater than room temperature but lower than the material's recrystallization temperature. This is done to achieve the best ductility and extrusion properties.

The other commonly used metals that can be extruded are the following:

1. Copper - used in making tubes, wire, cable sheathing and pipes

2. Steel - used in tracks and rods

3. Magnesium - used to manufacture nuclear industry parts and aircraft parts

4. Tungsten carbide - advisable to use because of its durability and toughness

5. Zinc - used in handrails, tubes, bar, rods, fitting and many hardware components

6. Lead - used in making wire, pipes, cable sheathing and tubes

7. Tin - also used in the same way as lead and copper

8. Titanium - used to manufacture engine rings, seat tracks for airplanes and other structural components

You can use either extruded extruded aluminium or extruded steel depending on your desired final product. Remember that each of these metals has a unique set of properties that would suit your needs.

TIG Welding Anodized Aluminum Pipe on Your Tuna Tower Or Boat T-Top Project

Most people assume that TIG welding anodized aluminum is just like welding any other aluminum piping. That is absolutely wrong and one of the big secrets that very few welders know. Anodized aluminum requires bumping or spot welding! Yeah, that the big secret!

In order to get this type of pipe welded you need to do two passes. The first pass is spot welded all of the way around with the filler wire being added. On the second pass you spot weld all the way around but without the filler wire added this time. The reason for this is anodized aluminium has a very hard coating that is difficult to melt through. The first pass will join the two pieces together but not melt the anodized coating into the weld area thoroughly. Since the coating is not melted properly the weld will look very rough. The second pass is used to melt the anodized coating into the weld better and give the weld its smooth appearance. Finally the weld is painted with weld paint. This is done because the anodized coating will no longer completely cover the weld area, so weld paint must finish the job to protect the weld area.

TIG welding anodized aluminum requires three things:

First is an A/C and D/C TIG welder with a high frequency start button on the TIG torch.
Second is a pure tungsten electrode with a tapered ball shaped end.
Aluminum weld paint.
To prepare the tungsten to weld anodized aluminum you need a tapered ball shaped end. To do this you simply put the tungsten into the TIG torch. Next turn on your welder and set it to D/C electrode (+) positive. Finally hit the high frequency start button and strike an arc on a piece of clean steel or ideally pure copper. Once the arc starts keep turning up the amperage until the tungsten starts to melt. Finally when there is a tapered ball end, stop the arc. That's it!

The actual welding is done by spot welding all the way around the pipe. The first thing you will need to do is set the TIG welder to A/C alternating current. Typically there will be two passes needed to weld the pipe. The first is with the filler wire added and the second it to smooth out the weld. The trick to TIG welding anodized aluminum is to keep your amperage on the high range and the spot welds should typically last about one second in time each.

Once the welding is finished all you need to do is paint the welds. That's all there is to TIG welding aluminum extrusion! Once you get going with this type of welding procedure you will be amazed how good the welds look on anodized aluminum piping!

Advantages of Hard Anodized Aluminum

Aluminum anodizing is lighter weight and non conductivity. Anodize means that aluminum is immersed in sulfuric acid known as electrolyte. Then it runs through a low voltage electric current through the acid solution. When the electric current increases significantly and the acid solution is freezed it is called as hard anodizing. Hard anodized aluminum is 30% harder than stainless steel. They have a extremely long life span. Its surfaces do not chip or peel and non toxic. It is chemically stable and does not decompose. Even in high heat level the anodized finish will not be damaged because it has a melting point of 1,221degree F.

Hard anodizing is mostly used for industrial purposes. Non stick coating is processed through regular anodized aluminum but aluminum cookware is processed through hard anodized aluminum. Hard anodizing aluminum has a thick coating than regular anodize.

Aluminum sheets passing through hard anodizing has a dark brown or black surface. The benefits of hard anodizing are it has lower cost and weight. The aluminum cookware would resist harsh climate and salt sprays because it is processed through hard aluminum. Automobile industry and commercial cookware have benefited from hard anodizing. Even automobile parts have benefited from it. It has also benefited the medical field. In prosthetic joints also hard anodizing aluminum is used because it can resist blood. Hard anodizing and sulfuric anodizing may have certain things in common but their process will give a different result. The hard anodize is little more expensive than regular anodized aluminum.

While buying a new aluminum cookware see whether it is a anodized aluminum or hard anodized. The surfaces are stick resistant. Aluminum is present in many products like in cookware and utensils, baking powder, toothpastes, sunscreens, cosmetics, vaccines, cake mix and in many more things. Anodized aluminum is used in grills, coolers etc. The cookware surface does not have pores because it has a hard anodize finish. If there are pores in the cookware the food gets stuck while cooking but if it does not have pores the food does not stick. Black is the most famous color in anodizing. This color gets the highest price. Other colors can be easily achieved. These colors are also used in different aluminum utensils. Anodizing can be done at home also with the help of sulfuric acid.

People used to worry if this type of cookware will cause a lot of difference in the taste of their food. But it is considered a super durable cookware. Since it is made of electro chemical process the aluminum is considered to be extra hard. People are using hard anodized aluminum because it has non toxic finish. It can be easily cleaned in the dishwasher. The non stick coating does not wear off easily. Most of the cooks in the world are using this type of cookware for making there food because they think that the flavor of the food is sealed. When a person starts using this type of cookware a lot of difference is seen in their cooking.

Aluminum Extrusions

You might not know what aluminum extrusion are, but you've been surrounded by them your entire life. Almost all commercial windows are encased in extruded aluminum housings, the structural components of airliner wings are made from aluminum extrusions, even the Dodge Prowler had a frame made from extruded aluminum. In fact, extrusion is the primary use of raw aluminum followed by casting and machining. As a side note, to give you a perspective on how big the market is, 14% of all the electrical power generated in the United States goes to the processing of aluminum. That's a low of energy.

So how does the process work? It's pretty straight forward really. Round aluminum ingots are heated up to just below the melting point and then pushed through dies shaped like the final product. Hollow shapes are introduced in the dies by means of torpedoes (floating elements in the die) that the aluminum flows around. The aluminum comes out and is straightened, and cut to length. Depending on the specifications required, the aluminum cools and hardens at room temperature or is put in an oven for more accurate tempering.

Hardening. Extruded aluminum can be hardened quenching and age hardening. Quenching simply involves the rapid cooling of extruded material, whereas age hardening can involve simply cooling at room temperature (extruded aluminum will naturally age harden reaching it's maximum strength in a week or so after extrusion) or holding at an elevated temperature for a period of time followed by rapid cooling.

How Aluminium Extrusions Are Constructed

The fact that aluminium is very malleable and ductile makes it an important material in construction today. It can be crafted into various shapes and sizes very easily which is why it is widely used in the engineering of aircraft and construction of its domestic parts and materials. The process through which aluminium can be crafted into different shapes is called aluminum extrusion. It is the practice used to make objects of fixed cross-sectional profiles. In this method, the aluminium is forced through a section known as a die that has the shape of a desired cross-section. This process is able to produce aluminium sections that have complex cross-sections and can be used for various purposes. Some extruded aluminiums come with hollow cavities that cannot be produced by using simple flat die. These are manufactured by a special sort of die that is able to create structures with complex cross-sections. The extrusion process can not only be carried out on aluminium metals but also on other metals, ceramics and even food.

To create aluminium extrusions, the aluminium is heated and forced through a die with the aid of a hydraulic ram under high pressure. These extrusions have a lot of advantages that make them ideal to be used for various purposes. Despite being ductile and flexible, aluminium extrusions are very light in weight. The fact that aluminium only weighs 1/3 of that of copper makes it an ideal choice in construction of vehicles.

Some other advantages of using aluminium include:

Resistant to corrosion allows it to be used in buildings and construction that experiences frequent corrosion.

Good electric conductor makes it suitable to use in building power transmission cables.

Great strength makes it ideal for applications where light weight and strength is required.

Cost effective

The process that aluminium extrusions go through can either be hot or cold. In the hot process, the aluminium has to be between 350 to 500 degrees Celsius. The cold process can be done at room temperature. The best quality aluminium extrusions are manufactured at accurate temperature. As when the metal is heated, it becomes softer and easily malleable, and the finishing provides the metal with more durability and strength. Also, manufacturers are able to make extrusions according to the preference of the customers and the applications that they would be used for.

Some products where aluminium extrusions are applied include production of frames, heat sinks and profiles for tracks along with several other applications.

Aluminum Anodizing and Its Advantages

Anodizing is not like electroplating and other organic coatings, it is unique to aluminum. It has greatly extended the applications of aluminum products and uses after it was developed in early 1930's, where the metal or else not be utilized. The anodic finish is now available from aluminum finishing job shops all over the world and is quite inexpensive.

Anodizing will convert the surface of aluminum to an oxide. Though it would naturally form aluminum oxide on its surface, it will be a very thin film. It offers a thicker oxide coating several times thick if required. The rigidity of this aluminum oxide coating challenges that of diamond. Due to this anodizing improves abrasion resistance. It can also appreciably modify and improve the appearance of aluminum. By the usage of dyes and special procedures, the finisher can make aluminum look like stainless steel, pewter, copper, or brushed bronze. The process will improve corrosion resistance, particularly when the metal surface is in exposure to humid, industrial, and marine atmospheres. The electrical insulating property of the anodic finish finds its application when dielectric properties are significant for electrical components. This type of aluminum is simple to clean and it resists heat to the high temperature where the metal itself melts.

We can define anodizing as an electrochemical conversion process, and not an applied coating. The surface of the metal is converted to aluminum oxide as a result of reactions going on at the anode in an acidic solution. Oxide formation generally gets inward, towards the source of the fresh metal. The first formed oxide will remain in contact with the anodizing solution all through the process cycle; the last formed oxide is at the metal interface. The coating will be nearly 30-50 pct thicker than the original metal it replaces.

Structure of most coatings is predominantly porous. There will be a very slight non-porous barrier film at the interface. Process control starts with the quality of the metal, its precleaning and racking, and finally ends with unracking, possible "clean-up" and final inspection. The job shop finisher or captive department generally has the least control over a very important requirement for good anodizing that is the metal quality. Type of mill product, alloys, worth, temper and so on has significant effects on the appearance, oxide coating property and functional properties like abrasion and corrosion resistance of the end product.

The finisher must know about the metal that is to be treated. Some process changes should be made, and particular quality standards will be difficult to attain other than the proper alloy is being anodized. These can be formed in a range of chemical solutions, though only a handful is in industrial use. The advantage of anodized aluminium is the potential of colored anodizing dye. These dye seeps into the microscopic pores of the anodized layer and colors it. This layer is then sealed and the color appears as part of the metal itself. This can be used for great artistic effect, making aluminum parts with strikingly tasteless colors to ornament your motor bike or, more topically, telescope.