Aluminium Extrusion: Large or small, we do it all…

Aluminium extrusion is the process of forcing aluminium through a steel tool which creates a specific shape. This results in a long profile of aluminium which can be cut down into smaller pieces, all the with the same shape. 

There are many advantages to using the extrusion process. Firstly, it is both a quick and easy method of creating a specific aluminium shape and secondly, there is little wastage as all the aluminium can be used or recycled. 

Another benefit of using the extrusion process is that it is cost-effective. This is because once the die, the tool used to make the aluminium the necessary shape, is created, then it can be used time and time again, essentially paying for itself through use. 

Extruding with Love Aluminium

The extrusion process starts with the client submitting a design that our professionals in Computer-Aided Design will work with to create an extrudable concept.

Our CAD service uses a computer system to create sketches and drawings. This enables us to provide the client with a 2D and 3D design of what their final product will look like. This software is also used to calculate precision measurements to ensure the extruded products are a perfect size. 

Once the design is agreed upon, a bespoke die is created from steel. This die works as a tool with hollow spaces to create the specific shape of the aluminium extrusion required. A piece of heated aluminium, called a billet, can then be fed in a holding chamber, ready to be pushed through the die. 

It is important that the aluminium is heated before this process in order to ensure it is malleable enough and does not suffer any molecular damage which could weaken it.  

Then, pressure is applied to the aluminium inside the holding chamber. This forces it through a small aperture where the die is placed shaping the aluminium into a long profile.

After all of the aluminium has been pushed through the die and the profile is complete, this can be cut down into accurate smaller sections as required. It is usually ‘artificially aged’ in an oven to temper the profiles and ensure the metal is ready for it’s intended purpose.

After the extrusion process is complete, the aluminium can be treated with a variety of finishes to improve upon its already high corrosion resistance and meet the needs of the industry in which it will be used. 

There’s no job too big, or too small

At Love Aluminium we can carry out aluminium extrusion for small or large scale projects. We offer a service which can cater for almost any business that needs to supply or use parts that are made from aluminium. 

Many industries such as manufacturing and construction can gain greatly from the extrusion process to create cost-effective aluminium parts. Aluminium extrusion is commonly used to provide parts for aircraft, vehicles, signage, electronic enclosures and point of sale displays.

However, even businesses who do not need a large number of parts can benefit from the process. This is because once a die is made it can be stored until it is needed again. This makes the process budget-friendly even if clients only need a small number of parts infrequently. 

Here at Love Aluminium, we have the capabilities to provide aluminium extruded parts in a wide range of sizes. Currently, the lightest extrusion that we supply is just 0.04 kg/m with a thickness of only 0.8mm. We have also supplied much larger extrusions at 25 kg/m and 355mm across. However, the team can quote for even bigger if required with our largest quote currently being 64 kg/m. 

As well as being adaptable on project size, we want to ensure our clients get the best service possible. That’s why we work hard to offer a complete service to meet all of our clients’ extrusion needs. This includes providing finishes, delivery and stock management. 

Our range of finishes is designed to ensure our clients’ extrusions are ready for industry use. Despite aluminium being naturally strong, durable, and corrosion resistant, we can provide mechanical finishes to alter the appearance, anodising to offer greater protection and give a more pleasing look aesthetically or a powder-coated finish.

Plus with our stockholding and delivery service, Love Aluminium can be confident that our clients have access to their stock whenever they need it. By storing bespoke extrusions securely in our warehouse, clients can call upon them when required with delivery taking just a couple of days, saving them space on site. 

If you think your business could benefit from our bespoke aluminium extrusion service message me on LinkedIn or contact Love Aluminium on 0333 4560121 or by emailing [email protected].