Aluminum Profiles

Aluminum extruded profiles can be hot extruded, cold extruded or warm extruded through a die and each of these extrusion processes have their own benefits and drawbacks. Aluminum profiles are highly versatile and can be custom-designed for applications such as fitness machines, wall siding, structural applications, car bumpers, window frames, electronic components, hardware joints and light building frames. Serving industries including construction, medical, office furniture, industrial manufacturing and transportation, aluminum profiles are lightweight while maintaining a high strength-to-weight ratio. Some of the more common alloys that are used in the fabrication of aluminum profiles include 6061 aluminum, 6063 aluminum and aluminum 1100.

Aluminum profiles are formed during the extrusion process, in which round aluminum stock called "billets" or "logs" are pressed by a ram through a die, which is a hollow profile that shapes the aluminum into a specific extruded shape as the billet is squeezed through.

Aluminum profiles can be made using two different types of extrusion process: indirect extrusion and direct extrusion. Direct extrusion holds the die stationary while the ram forces the aluminum alloy through the die opening, while indirect extrusion holds the die stationary as the hollow ram moves into the stationary billet from one end, forcing the metal to flow through the die.

In addition, extrusion processes include hot extrusion, cold extrusion and warm extrusion. In cold extruding, aluminum billet is pressed through the die at room temperature or near room temperature.

Warm extruding, or forging, is done on billets brought to temperature ranges between 800 and 1800 degrees F. Hot extrusions are performed on aluminum which has been fully plasticized by heat and is often performed in a vacuum to avoid oxidation. After an aluminum profile has been extruded, it is straightened by a stretcher.