Rapid Tooling Services China

What’s Aluminum extrusion?

Aluminum extrusion, it refers to a process to manufacture parts with a specific cross-sectional profile by pushing heated aluminum alloy material through a mold.

Actual the process of aluminum extrusion is relatively simple to understand, you can just think that the aluminum extrusion can be likened to squeezing toothpaste from a tube.

What’s kinds of Shapes Can be Extruded?

Usually there are three main categories of extruded shapes:

1> Solid part that has no enclosed voids or openings. Such as rod, beam or angle. 

2> Hollow part that has one or more voids. Such as square or rectangular tube. 

3> Semi-hollow part that has partially enclosed void. Such as a “C” channel with a narrow gap.

In a word, the shapes created can be solid, hollow and semi-hollow, they can be simple or complex. 

The advantages of aluminum extrusion 

[1]. Versatile and relatively low cost. 

[2]. High strength-to-weight ratio and possesses non-corrosive properties.

[3]. Eco-friendly. 

[4]. Accept high performance coatings. 

Why Aluminum Extrusion Parts Need to Do Surface Finishing?  

There are two main reasons:

<Reason 1> Finishes can improve corrosion resistance and protect the surface from being anodized.

Aluminum has a naturally occurring oxide film, it is sufficient for many applications. But in extreme environments, it needs extra protection.

<Reason 2> Finishes can enhance the appearance 

As you know, the anodized surface finishing will have a more beauty appearance than mechanical finishes.  Choose an appropriate finish will ensure your parts have nice appearance. 

Let’s see there are some common finishes for Aluminum Extrusion parts

#1 Mechanical finishes

There are series of mechanical finishes such as blasted, polished, sanded and grinded can be improved for surface quality or other cosmetic requirements. 

#2 Anodizing

This is a special electrochemical finish that can provide additional protection aside from the natural oxide film. And the parts can be colored according to your requirements. 

#3 Powder coating

This is also a chemical finish that provide a film to meet stringent performance criteria. The coating is thick and bonds to the aluminum, it doesn’t chip or peel easily. The most important, it has no solvents or VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds), eco-friendly. 

#4 Sublimation

This is absolutely a magic experience for some people that see the aluminum extrusion look like wood. Yes, sure it is sublimation that after applying a base coat of powder. And the sublimation process transfers that pattern directly onto the extrusions according to customer’s requires. 

#5 Mirror Surface

In order to give the aluminum a specular or “mirror” finish, we need to put the profile into a special dip solution (a combination of hot phosphoric and nitric acids). The aluminum parts can be anodized as well. 

If you’re interested in aluminum extrusion and have projects, welcome to contact our team via enquiry@nice-rapidtooling.com to get more details or free quote. We’d love to provide you the best services and high-quality product!

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