Since its beginning aluminium extrusion process has been applied in a number of innovative ways and aluminium extruded products are in great demand in today’s industry. The extrusion process was first employed in the year 1797 for manufacturing lead pipes. Previously it was done manually until the hydraulic powered press came in 1820. Extrusion methods were also started for copper and brass alloys by the end of the 19th century.
Origins of aluminium
energy star windows has been recognized as an elemental metal in 1807. The metal was first refined in the year 1825. With the discovery of the smelting process by Hall and Héroult and the development of commercial manufacture, the silvery metal became reasonable for everyday purposes. The preliminary processes of functioning included rolling, casting and forging.
Advancement of aluminum extrusion process
Alexander Dick was the inventor of the modern hot extrusion process. The method was discovered in 1894. At present, aluminum is the most frequently extruded metal and it can be used with hot as well as cold extrusion processes.
Process of aluminium extrusion
Bayer’s method, Wohler’s method and the Hall Heroult process are generally used for aluminium extrusion. The metal, when extracted as a molten liquid, is hardened and given the required shape. The subsequent processes include Rolling, Drawing, Forging, Spinning, Piercing and Extrusion.
Advantages of aluminium extrusion
Aluminium extrusion is easier than welding. Construction companies prefer this for several reasons. It is economical as well as helps to fabricate parts with an invariable cross section. Aluminium is a good heat protector and the metal can be easily bonded with adhesive. And above all, aluminium extrusion machines are cost-effective to fit.
Advantages of aluminium extruded products
The benefits of aluminium products are diverse. They are-
* Light weight: The weight of aluminium is one-third of iron, steel, copper or brass. It is easier to carry and handle the metal.
* Strength: Aluminium products and aluminium extrusion profiles can be made as strong as needed.
* Strength and weight ratio: The united property of strength and lightness in aluminium extruded products makes it a key component of several industry based applications.
* Rust resistant: The metal has a natural protective coating against environmental, chemical and physical corrosive materials.
* Heat transmission: Aluminium is a better conductor of heat on a cost and weight basis.
* Electric transmission: Aluminium is a better conductor over copper per unit weight. It is commonly used for power consumption.
* Wide approval: Aluminium extruded products are largely used in the food packaging and chemical industry.
* Easy to manufacture: The metal, by using the conventional methods, can be given any shape.
* Easy for assembly design: Aluminium extruded products are easy for assembly design.
* Ability to join: Methods like welding, soldering, brazing are used to join extrusions.
* Superior quality: Aluminium extruded products guarantee trustworthiness and uniformity in quality.
* Cost-effectiveness: The tools used in extrusion process are comparatively cheaper in comparison to other production methods.
* Variety in finishing: Aluminium extruded products is known for their finishing varieties.