China Manufacturer Directory >>Metal Extrusions

Metal extrusions are metal objects or materials that obtain their form by being forced through a die. Although most metals can be extruded, metal extrusions are typically formed from semi-soft metals, as high-strength alloys cost more to be extruded. Commonly extruded metals included lead, tin, aluminum alloys, copper, titanium, molybdenum, vanadium, and steel. Metal extrusions can be produced either through hot extrusion or cold forming.

The hot extrusion process, which is the most popular method for making metal extrusions, involves inserting a heated billet of metal into a cylindrical chamber. A hydraulically operated ram then compresses the billet. The die, located at the opposite end of the cylinder, contains an orifice of the desired shape that in turn shapes the metal.

The other method for creating metal extrusions is the cold forming process, also referred to as cold pressing, cold forging, extrusion pressing, and impact extrusion. Cold extrusion offers metal extrusions with higher strength, dimensional accuracy, and consistent, good finish. Because it involves fewer operations and machining, cold extrusion is also often more economical than hot, direct extrusion.

Metal extrusions are used throughout many industries. Some common uses include steel rods and track; aircraft components like seat tracks, engine rings, and structural parts; aluminum profiles for frames, tracks, and rails; and various other products such as collapsible tubes, cylinders, gear blanks, and aluminum cans.