Extrusion of Aluminum Alloys
ASM Handbook, Volume 14A: Metalworking: Bulk Forming Copyright © 2005 ASM International® S.L. Semiatin, editor, p522-527 All rights reserved. DOI: 10.1361/asmhba0004015 www.asminternational.org Extrusion of Aluminum Alloys Wojciech Z. Misiolek, Lehigh University, and Richard M. Kelly , Werner Co. ALUMINUM AND ALUMINUM ALLOYS Variety of surface finishes ranging from clear many sizes offer many design possibilities and are very suitable for extrusion and many types to color anodized for functional or cosmetic advantages such as: of profiles can be produced from easily ex- applications, as well as painted or plated. trudable alloys (Fig. 1, Ref 1). Aluminum Nontoxic for food storage, cookware, and Design feature Design advantage extrusion is a very competitive technology food processing applications. Near-net shape Optimized cross-sectional for creating profiles for new products with Recyclable. design short lead times, a wide range of properties Variable wall geometry Place metal only where needed Solid, open, and hollow Minimize overall weight associated with various alloys, and design flex- profiles ibility. Aluminum Extrusion Alloys Multivoid hollow designs Avoid secondary machining The widespread use of aluminum extrusions operations is due to the versatility of applications from Legs Allow assembly or joining The relatively inexpensive cost of producing operations the combination of the extruded product form Fins Replacement of multiple parts and the material characteristics of aluminum. aluminum extrusions, coupled with the ease of recycling aluminum, has expanded its many Slots and dovetails Reduce component inventories Applications may be linked to the advantages Screw bosses, hinges, Provide attachment points of extruded profiles, or both. The basic material applications in industry, transportation, house- slides, snap fit, thermal characteristics of aluminum and its alloys hold, and everyday use.
[Show full text]