aluminum extrusions Archives - Page 3 of 15

11 02, 2020

Taber’s Friction Stir Welding Capabilities: Going Vertical

Catheryn2020-05-11T21:05:07+00:00February 11th, 2020|

Taber’s Friction Stir Welding Capabilities Infographic

Taber is is AS9100, NADCAP, and ABS certified. Founded in 1973, Taber Extrusions originally pioneered a process for extruding rectangular billet which enables the company to extrude solid profiles up to 31 inches wide or hollows up to 29 inches. Taber expanded with the purchase of an extrusion facility in Gulfport, MS., in 1995 which houses a cast house and two additional presses, and multiple expansions of value-added fabrication services. Taber continues to extrude billet in a wide range of alloys and sizes, including 7”billet molds, and has diversified its markets beyond military since its inception to include aerospace, automotive, marine, infrastructure, and sporting goods, among many others. For these markets, the company supplies extruded products in a variety of soft and hard alloys. In 2018, Taber added micro-extrusions to their capabilities allowing them to further serve customers in electronics, computer, and medical industries. Today Taber is proud to announce yet another exciting launch into Friction Stir Welding. To learn more about how we can be of service visit: https://taberextrusions.com/

Follow Taber Extrusions

LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/company/8843183/

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/taberextrusions/

TWITTER: https://twitter.com/taberextrusions

15 01, 2020

Joining Aluminum Extrusions Through Friction Stir Welding

Patton Quinn2020-01-15T19:32:51+00:00January 15th, 2020|

Dramatic in-flight photo of two F-22 Raptor military aircraft speed through the sky on a clear day.

What is Friction Stir Welding?

Friction stir welding is the method of joining two pieces of metal with no extra filler or material by subjecting the components to heavy plastic deformation, at elevated temperatures, that are still lower than the melting point. A rotating tool is thrusted between the components and, as friction heat is generated, the tool produces a severe plastic deformation under high pressure, at which time the weld interfaces are stirred together, and a homogenous structure is formed, creating a defect-free bond.

Why Friction Stir Welding?

FSW is a method of welding that is being used as an alternative method to fusion welding and other types of arc welding.

FSW vs. Fusion Welding – FSW offers three key benefits over fusion welding: metallurgical, environmental, and energy. The metallurgical benefits include: low distortion of workpiece (fine microstructure, absence of cracking), good dimensional stability, and no loss of alloying elements. The environmental benefits include: no shielding gas required, no surface cleaning required, elimination of solvents required for degreasing, and consumable materials savings. The energy benefits include: improved material use (joining different thickness), only 2.5% of energy needed for a laser weld, and decreased fuel consumption in light weight, automotive, and ship applications. FSW is then, specifically because of its environmental and energy benefits, a more cost-effective method of welding. It is also a more economical choice due to low set up and training costs.

Close angle of a shiny drill-like instrument, also known as a friction stir welder cone.

FSW vs. Other Types of Arc Welding – The joining of aluminum extrusions in friction stir welding is a process that can be easily automated, making it an ideal solution for industrial use in manufacturing services such as the marine, aerospace, automotive, transportation, and rail industries. FSW welds have effectively been used in the marine industries in the fish freezer panels of ships, on the deck panels of helicopter landing platforms on ships, and it has been used in various amphibious assault ships. In aerospace, FSW has been used for structures such as the fuselage, fins, and wings that require high-strength aluminum alloys. In the automotive industries, FSW is used for aluminum engine cradles and suspension struts, as well as rear seats and exhaust gas recirculation coolers. The railway industry has utilized FSW to make roof and floor panels, as well as heat sinks for cooling the high-power electronics of locomotives.

An aerial view of an amphibious assault ship with a landing and launchpad for fighter jets on the ocean.

In military and defense, aluminum alloys are used as armor due to the combination of high ballistic performance and static strength that traditionally use MIG, gas metal arc, and tungsten arc welding. The reasons for the transition to FSW over the aforementioned arc welds are many — MIG welds cause stress corrosion at the weld toe, exfoliation occurring in the solution treatment, low ductility in butt welds, and liquidation due to the formation of low-melting point grain boundary. FSW welds are also more likely to pass the ballistic shock test.

Why FSW at Taber? New Aluminum Joining Techniques at Taber

In April of 2019, Taber Extrusions of Russellville, AR and Gulfport, MS announced the addition of Friction Stir Welding, “FSW,” capabilities to our existing portfolio which currently includes aluminum extrusions, fabrication, billet casting, and micro-extrusions. With the addition of in-house FSW capabilities, Taber is now a vertically integrated supplier of FSW panels and assemblies.

Taber’s engineering and manufacturing teams collaborated with Bond Technologies to create a custom Linear Seam machine. Taber’s new FSW machine is capable of welding large, double-sided thick profiles with minimal cycles of the machine; less cycles means greater efficiency and more precise results.

Taber offers quality custom extrusion design and advanced microextrusion capabilities and we are committed to providing our clients durable products that are both ecologically sound and cost effective. We chose FSW as a high-tech, alternative method to ensure a fast turn-around time, thereby reducing time to market.

About Taber:

Founded in 1973, Taber Extrusions originally pioneered a process for extruding rectangular billet which enables the company to extrude solid profiles up to 31 inches wide or hollows up to 29 inches. Taber expanded with the purchase of an extrusion facility in Gulfport, MS., in 1995 which houses a cast house and two additional presses, and multiple expansions of value added fabrication services.

Taber continues to extrude billet in a wide range of alloys and sizes, including 7″billet molds, and has diversified its markets beyond military since its inception to include aerospace, automotive, marine, infrastructure, and sporting goods, among many others. For these markets, the company supplies extruded products in a variety of soft and hard alloys. In 2018, Taber added ultra-precision extrusions to their capabilities allowing them to further serve customers in electronics, computer, and medical industries. Today Taber is proud to announce yet another exciting launch into Friction Stir Welding.

12 09, 2019

What is Friction Stir Welding?

Nathalia and Jorge2019-09-12T18:36:18+00:00September 12th, 2019|

This image depicts a friction stir-welding machine joining two large, cylindrical aerospace vehicle components.

What is friction stir welding?

As the name suggests, “friction stir welding” (FSW) is a metal joining technique that uses friction heat to unite metal structures. In traditional welding, high levels of heat are applied thereby melting two metal parts into one another. By contrast, FSW is a solid-state joining technique that takes advantage of metal atom’s cohesive forces that cause them to diffuse into each other. The friction generates temperatures below the melting point, but high enough where the plasticized material can move around.

How does friction stir welding work?

The key in FSW is the non-consumable rotating tool. The tool, that looks similar to a drill bit, is made up of two components: a probe, a small cylinder which will penetrate into the width of the metals at their joint; and a shoulder, a larger cylinder which will spin along the surface of the metal pieces. The rotating tool supplies both the heat and the pressure needed for the weld.

The metal pieces are clamped tightly in a butt or lap joint configuration, and the mechanical rotating tool is programmed to run along the joint. The spinning tool inserted between the tightly clamped metal creates enough friction heat for the atoms of the two metals to move around. The plasticized metal moves around the probe and then fills the cavity behind the tool before coalescing into a single piece of metal.

Close up image of the drill bit-like rotating tool on a friction-stir welding machine.

What are the advantages of friction stir welding’s solid state joining for aerospace, shipbuilding, rail, aerospace, automotive industries?

There are various advantages to using FSW for metal joining:

Flexibility: FSW allows efficient welding for difficult projects. FSW can be used on high-strength aluminum that can be difficult to join using conventional welding. Companies such as Taber use FSW to create aluminum extrusions in a wide array of profiles and sizes ranging from micro extrusions to 65-foot long extrusions.
High strength welds: Traditional welding can introduce corruption into metals during the welding process, as it can manifest solidification cracks and porosity problems. Solid-state joining creates joints that are as strong as the metal from which they are created and are a good choice for high-strength aluminum.
High quality welds: Characteristics of FSW welded metal include low distortion, reduced weight (no filler material), and excellent bonding properties.
Green welding: Traditional welding consumes electrodes, energy, shielding gas, and produces noxious fumes. FSW with its non-consumable rotation tool eliminates waste.

Limitations of friction stir welding for metal joining:

The FSW spin tool must resist heat and corrosion as it moves the metal around it. Therefore, FSW best works with malleable materials with low welding temperatures.

Four, large cross-sectional profiles of aluminum parts with different patterns, shapes, and widths, and underneath an aluminum tablet with micro-aluminum profiles.

Therefore, aluminum continues to be one of the most important metals used in FSW. Aerospace, shipbuilding, rail, aerospace, automotive industries all look to aluminum FSW for high-precision aluminum extrusions and aluminum welds of high strength and quality. Aluminum FSW is particularly important because high-strength aluminum can be difficult to join using traditional methods and FSW precision allows almost infinite variety in shape and size in aluminum extrusions.

More on Taber Extrusions

Founded in 1973, Taber Extrusions originally pioneered a process for extruding rectangular billets which enables the company to extrude solid profiles up to 31 inches wide or hollows up to 29 inches. Taber expanded with the purchase of an extrusion facility in Gulfport, MS in 1995 which houses a cast house and two additional presses, with a fabrication area that has been expanded multiple times. Besides their recently expanded capabilities to include micro-extrusions and 7” billet molds, Taber Extrusions is proud to announce friction stir-welding technology. The addition of in-house FSW capabilities creates a vertically integrated supplier of FSW panels and assemblies never before seen in North America.

Connect: Call Us Today! (888) 984-5279

12 09, 2019

Are you as proficient with this crossword puzzle as Taber Extrusions is with their services?

Nathalia and Jorge2020-04-03T21:25:32+00:00September 12th, 2019|

Crossword puzzle about Taber Extrusions services

About Taber Extrusions

Taber is AS9100, NADCAP, and ABS certified. Founded in 1973, Taber Extrusions originally pioneered a process for extruding rectangular billet which enables the company to extrude solid profiles up to 31 inches wide or hollows up to 29 inches. Taber expanded with the purchase of an extrusion facility in Gulfport, MS, in 1995 which houses a cast house and two additional presses, and multiple expansions of value added fabrication services.

Taber continues to extrude billet in a wide range of alloys and sizes, including 7″ billet molds, and has diversified its markets beyond military since its inception to include aerospace, automotive, marine, infrastructure, and sporting goods, among many others. For these markets, the company supplies extruded products in a variety of soft and hard alloys. In 2018, Taber added ultra-precision extrusions to their capabilities allowing them to further serve customers in electronics, computer, and medical industries. Today, Taber is proud to announce yet another exciting launch into Friction Stir Welding.

20 05, 2019

The Many Advantages of Friction Stir Welding

Catheryn2019-07-10T20:30:03+00:00May 20th, 2019|

The many advantages of friction stir welding infographic

About Taber:

Founded in 1973, Taber Extrusions originally pioneered a process for extruding rectangular billets which enables the company to extrude solid profiles up to 31 inches wide or hollows up to 29 inches. Taber expanded with the purchase of an extrusion facility in Gulfport, MS in 1995 which houses a casthouse and two additional presses, with a fabrication area that has been expanded multiple times. Today, Taber Extrusions is proud to announce the launch of expanded capabilities to include microextrusions and 7” billet molds.

Follow Taber Extrusions:

LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/company/taberextrusions/

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/taberextrusions/

TWITTER: https://twitter.com/taberextrusions

28 04, 2019

Taber Extrusions Recognized by Russellville for Energy Savings Excellence

Grace Sharington2019-05-29T23:56:27+00:00April 28th, 2019|

Creatively presented image of planet Earth placed between 2 leaves like a flowering bud alongside Taber’s official gold inverted triangle logo with the words “Taber Extrusions: Energy Savings Excellence.”

“I couldn’t be happier to assist Arkansas businesses reduce their power consumption by energy efficient measures. Every project that CLEAResult assists a customer with is a positive step in their energy reduction,” says Taylor Dumas, West Regional Account Manager at Entergy Arkansas Energy Solutions Program. “The Taber Extrusions project is one that greatly reduced power consumption, increases machine efficiency, and makes Taber Extrusions a ‘greener’ business by completing this project.”

CLEAResult is consulting company for Entergy Arkansas that implements the Energy Solutions Program for Entergy Arkansas which is their energy efficiency program. Mr. Dumas met with Taber and conducted an energy study which revealed opportunities for Taber to improve their compressed air system. Energy efficiency measures took place with products coming from James Reid at Arkansas Industrial Machinery, INC, or AIM for short. The project consisted of two (2) new compressors and one (1) new refrigeration cycling dryer. CLEAResult completed the energy efficiency process by comparing the baseline power usage to post install power usage, and this delta in baseline to post install power usage resulted in significant kWh and kW savings.

Dumas adds, “The honor is something that Entergy Arkansas enjoys doing for their customers who actively participate in their Energy Solutions Program to say ‘thank you’ for energy reduction, positive thinking, and effort on how they use their power.”

Taber Extrusions staff alongside members from Entergy Incentive Program, CLEAResult, and Arkansas Industrial Machinery, being presented a large rebate check for energy savings.

CLEAResult works with thousands of businesses from large industrial users, city-owned facilities, education and higher education businesses, to small businesses. They have programs designed for each type of business and ways to implement cost reduction by multiple methods of energy reduction. The Energy Solutions Program is available to all Entergy Arkansas customers, and Arkansas businesses can benefit like Taber Extrusions by creating a plan to reduce power consumption by energy efficient measures.

About Taber:

Founded in 1973, Taber Extrusions originally pioneered a process for extruding rectangular billets which enables the company to extrude solid profiles up to 31 inches wide or hollows up to 29 inches. Taber expanded with the purchase of an extrusion facility in Gulfport, MS in 1995 which houses a casthouse and two additional presses, with a fabrication area that has been expanded multiple times. Today, Taber Extrusions is proud to announce the launch of expanded capabilities to include microextrusions and 7” billet molds.

Follow Taber Extrusions:

LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/company/taberextrusions/

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/taberextrusions/

TWITTER: https://twitter.com/taberextrusions

8 02, 2019

Taber Aluminum Extrusion Company Awarded NMLP Safety Excellence Award

Grace Sharington2019-05-29T23:59:39+00:00February 8th, 2019|

Plant safety is something all the NMLP companies take very seriously, and this past year, aluminum extrusion company Taber Extrusions took home National Material L.P.’s 2018 Safety Excellence Award for exceptional safety management at their Russellville, Arkansas facility.

Taber’s current safety management system was implemented by Taber President Eric Angermeier, who takes a very deliberate approach to plant safety by setting goals, planning, measuring performance, documenting controls, and focusing on continuous improvement. “I’ll be celebrating my 2-year anniversary in early 2019 and feel even more fortunate to have this opportunity to be a member of Team Taber. Our safest year in Taber history, we developed innovative new products that expanded the markets we serve as well as welcomed many new members to our outstanding team. I would like to thank our dedicated associated, loyal customers, and supplier/partners who helped make 2018 a successful year,”Recently featured in Light Metal Age Magazine for both their casthouse modernization & micro-extrusion capabilities, Taber is a classic example of rapid growth not inhibiting plant safety in the slightest, but serving as a strong motivator to continually raise the bar.

The primary elements of Taber’s safety management system include:

Perpetual assessment & evaluation of existing safety policies
Process & workflow analysis
Establishment of safety work procedures
Safety training & meetings
Safety inspections
Maintenance regimens of plants, equipment, and processes
Identification of hazards & hazard analysis
Facilitation of occupational health programs
Emergency preparedness
Documentation control & management reviews

A vendor of Taber’s recently visited their Russellville plant had this to say: “It’s evident that this is an aluminum extrusion company that goes above and beyond in every way. There’s a message that comes across when a business is known for their safety standards. It shows they are mindful of the details. It shows that attention to detail is part of their culture.”

Russellville Plant Manager Gavin Buttherworth, Taber President Eric Angermeier, Gulfport and Plant Manager Mike Keenan standing by the NMLP Safety Award Trophy

Founded in 1973, Taber Extrusions originally pioneered a process for extruding rectangular billet which enables the company to extrude solid profiles up to 31 inches wide or hollows up to 29 inches. Taber expanded with the purchase of an extrusion facility in Gulfport, MS, in 1995 which houses a cast house and two additional presses, and the fabrication area has been expanded multiple times. Today, Taber Extrusions is proud of their expanded capabilities to include micro-extrusions and 7” billet molds.

Follow Taber on social media and never miss an update:

LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/company/8843183/

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/taberextrusions/

TWITTER: https://twitter.com/taberextrusions

Interested in becoming a part of the Taber Team? Submit your resume to careers@taberextrusions.com.

10 01, 2019

Environmental Advantages of Aluminum Extrusions

marshall2019-01-10T19:19:41+00:00January 10th, 2019|

Beautiful country side with grassy mountain vistas and artistically-styled green cityscape & airplane

Aluminum. It’s light. It’s strong. It’s highly recyclable. And it’s leading the charge in our planet-wide quest for a more renewable, sustainable future… and aluminum extrusions are definetly part of the conservation puzzle..

Strides in aluminum alloy technology have allowed aluminum products to lower energy and carbon emissions in countless applications. From the automotive and aerospace industry, to construction and marine, consumer products, and beyond, aluminum is no doubt the sustainable solution for the modern world.

The facts don’t lie. The energy required to create new aluminum has decreased by 26% in the last two and a half decades, and the entire industry’s global warming potential has decreased by 37% (source: aluminum.org). This is due in large part to robust aluminum recycling programs that manufacturers have adopted.

Let’s dig deeper into the different facets of aluminum that is making it the material of the future.

LIGHTWEIGHT DESIGN

Implementing lightweight aluminum into manufacturing designs presents a great opportunity to increase the sustainable use of energy. Aluminum’s light weight contributes to increased fuel efficiency in transport vehicles, from consumer automobiles to military vehicles and airplanes. Aluminum’s 95% reflectivity property can be used in building materials to reduce heating costs within green buildings, and improves the efficiency of solar panels and solar cells.

We will go over the sustainability aluminum provides due to recycling further below, but it is important to note that the greatest environmental benefit comes from the day to day use of vehicles and buildings that are built with aluminum.

For buildings, the use of aluminum in extrusion-based building components (such as windows, sunshades, facades, etc.) can massively decrease the operating costs and energy usage over the lifetime of a building.

Aluminum extrusions’ combination of low weight and high strength provides immense benefits to pretty much anything with a motor and wheels. In using this material, you are reducing the mass that must be moved by the transportation system. Mass reductions in this way can lead to further downsizing elsewhere in the design, which results in reduced carbon emissions and energy consumption.

Each pound of aluminum used in place of high-strength steel provides the following benefits:

saves the equivalent of 3.1 gallons of crude oil over the life of the vehicle (source: org)
saves CO2 from day one, using recycled aluminum (source: org)

RECYCLING

The sustainability benefits that come from recycling aluminum are unmatched. As with any recyclable material, recycling aluminum conserves energy and our natural resources, as well as reduces water and air pollution.

Aluminum is INFINITELY recyclable. That means that it can be recycled over and over with virtually no limit.

Since 1884, billions of metric tons of aluminum have been produced, and today, roughly 74% of that amount is still in use today.

Yes, aluminum is truly unparalleled when it comes to recycling.. In fact, all aspects of products made from aluminum can be reused. That means that a simple act like tossing your aluminum cans into the recycling bin, instead of the general trash, can conserve 95% of the energy that it takes to create a new aluminum can.

For every 1 ton of aluminum recycled, the planet is spared 9 tons of CO2 emissions.

Members of the Aluminum Extrusion Council are deeply involved in scrap collection and secondary smelting programs. (source: AEC.org).

CONCLUSION

Although modern technology is making the world much smaller, it’s also introducing a lot of design challenges as we work towards creating a better, more sustainable future. Taber Extrusions is proud to be a prominent member of the aluminum extrusion industry, as it gives us the opportunity to assist manufacturers in reducing their carbon footprint in their designs, and work towards a better tomorrow.

Follow Taber on social media and never miss an update:

LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/company/8843183/

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/taberextrusions/

TWITTER: https://twitter.com/taberextrusions

Interested in becoming a part of the Taber Team? Submit your resume to careers@taberextrusions.com.

21 12, 2018

50 Aluminum Gift Ideas For This Holiday Season

Grace Sharington2019-05-30T00:00:25+00:00December 21st, 2018|

As an aluminum extrusion company, we hold aluminum close to our hearts, so we thought we’d pass along some fun ideas so you can give the gift of aluminum this Christmas! Aluminum is pliable, plentiful, strong, lightweight, easy to combine with other materials, heat resistant, non-corrosive, a great conductor of electricity, and 100% recyclable. What’s not to love?

1. Golf clubs – Aluminum shafts mean faster swing, increasing distance with each shot.
2. Watch – Did you know they even have aircraft-grade aluminum watches?
3. Dutch oven – Lightweight, rust-proof, & easy to clean.
4. Money clip – Get it hand-stamped or engraved.
5. Fountain pen – Sleek, durable, classic.
6. Tie clip – Simple, fashionable, timeless.
7. Aluminum tumblers – Brighten up the BBQ or picnic with colorful retro tumbler cup set.
8. BBQ Set – Aluminum BBQ grill, or grill accessories… for the perfect outdoor meal.
9. Wind chimes – Add harmony to the home or garden with the gentle lullaby of chimes.
10. Waffle iron – How ‘bout a cast aluminum stovetop waffle maker?
11. Kaleidoscope – A unique gift for a very special someone who brings color to your life.
12. Bicycle – For the child, the athlete, or the leisure-seeker.
13. Ladder – Foldable step-stool for the kitchen or a ladder for indoor/outdoor tasks.
14. Mailbox – Secure, weather resistant, heavy-duty aluminum for curbside appeal.
15. Ski poles – Sturdy aluminum poles make the most sense.
16. Refrigerator – Kitchen trends come and go, but aluminum appliances are steadfast.
17. Salt & pepper shakers – Go vintage or go modern, everyone uses salt & pepper shakers.
18. Toaster – Toaster or toaster oven, forever a useful gift.
19. Bottle stopper – Stylish, sophisticated, practical, and you can personalize them.
20. Knife Set/Swiss army knife – Carving sets, cutlery, utility knives…
21. Fishing boat – Aluminum is the ideal solution for boaters seeking inexpensive versatility.
22. Office chair – Enhance comfort & style at work or in the home office with a new chair.
23. Espresso maker – Everyone knows life is better with coffee drinks.
24. Cufflinks – Add a touch of class and a splash of color with polished aluminum cufflinks.
25. Coasters – Handcrafted or engraved, the table is protected and the drinks are stylish.

26. Speakers/Bluetooth speakers – Turn up the soundtrack and get celebrating.
27. Martini shakers – Sharpen bartending skills and cocktail endeavors.
28. DVDs & CDs – We all have an album or a movie that we need to hold in our hands.
29. Jewelry tree – A perfect way to display necklaces, bobbles and bangles.
30. Baseball bat – Or softball bat, to hit the fast pitches and curve balls.
31. Serving utensils – Serve in style & get savory dishes from pan to plate.
32. Computer – Did you know computers contain aluminum micro-extrusions?
33. Patio furniture – Outfit an outdoor living space with durable cast aluminum furniture.
34. Window frame – New windows? Another item made with aluminum extrusions.
35. Flag pole – To honor, remember, or show holiday spirit far and wide.
36. Hairspray (Aerosol containers) – Put together a gift basket of “beauty goodies.”
37. Camping equipment – Make it easy to spend the weekend outdoors. Prepare ahead.
38. 6-pack ‘o beer – Or someone’s favorite soda pop.
39. Pots & pans – Cook like a pro with anodized aluminum pots & pans.
40. Car rims – Nothing says “I love you” like a set of rims.
41. Umbrella – A simple and thoughtful gift that comes in every imaginable design & color.
42. Aluminum sculpture – How about the perfect artistic sculpture for your loved one?
43. Bangle bracelets – All the rage right now, the more the merrier.
44. Customizable license plates – Oh, how clever you can be. This gift goes everywhere.
45. Keychain – Stocking stuffer, office gift, or customize something special.
46. Aluminum water bottle – Keep it cold, keep it hot.
47. Bottle opener/Corkscrew – A thoughtful gift for your favorite wine lover & host.
48. Beverage tub/Wine chiller – Keep your drinks cool at your next BBQ or event.
49. Picture frame – Put a past memory in the frame or take a new pic!
50. Luggage – More air miles than ground miles? A durable aluminum suitcase is a must.

… and don’t forget to wrap your gift in aluminum foil, topping it off with a great big, pretty bow! (If you really want to go all out, that is.) Aluminum symbolizes the ability to weather life’s ups and downs, and the holidays are a time to recognize how far we’ve come and share future hope with friends and family. May your holiday be filled with joy, laughter, peace… and aluminum.

Connect with Taber Extrusions aluminum extrusion company on social media:

LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/company/8843183/

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/taberextrusions/

TWITTER: https://twitter.com/taberextrusions

Interested in becoming a part of the Taber Team? Submit your resume to careers@taberextrusions.com.

8 11, 2018

A Brief History of Aluminum Extrusions and How They Will Shape the Future

marshall2018-11-08T21:23:09+00:00November 8th, 2018|

Just look around you,aluminum extrusions are used in almost every facet of your daily life. From cars to office building structures, to the rail of a staircase, extruded aluminum is all around us. But what is the history of aluminum extrusions? How did this extrusion process start? How has it changed over time and how will it shape the future? Read on to find out.

Origins of extrusion process

Joseph Bramah, the father of aluminum extrusions. Image source

In 1797, Joseph Bramah patented the extrusion process which was first created for manufacturing lead pipes. His process involved preheating metal and manually forcing it through a die with a hand-driven plunger. This manually-powered process, known as ‘squirting’ at the time, was the standard until the invention of the first hydraulic press by Thomas Burr. By the late 19^th century, the extrusion process was also used with brass and copper alloys; aluminum would come into the picture in the 20^th century.

Aluminum and the extrusion process

First found in 1807, aluminum was not refined successfully until 1825. In the beginning, it was considered a precious metal and even more valuable than gold. At the end of the 19^th century, the smelting process was invented by Charles Martin Hall and Paul Héroult which allowed for commercial production to develop.

Not until 1894 would aluminum be used for extrusion when Alexander Dick developed the hot extrusion process. The process allowed non-ferrous alloys to be extruded and the first aluminum extrusion press was in production by 1904. Immediately, the applications for aluminum in automotive and construction arose. Especially during the two world wars, the demand for extruded aluminum was high. After World War II, the process expanded into the growing residential housing market.

Since then, extruded aluminum has continued to grow in applications and is a part of almost every aspect of life. From subway cars to our own personal cars, construction to medical devices, the material has revolutionized the way we live.

How will aluminum shape the future?

Aluminum extrusion has continued to break new ground. The extrusion process has seen improvements in materials, and through the use of modern testing, expanding and implementing means they can shape the future. With the introduction of the computer, aluminum extrusions can be more precise and accurate, making safer and longer lasting products.

The U.S. aluminum industry is the largest in the world, producing 22 billion pounds of metal annually. Aluminum is resistant to corrosion, strong, lightweight, and recyclable which means it is ideal as the planet moves towards a ‘greener’ future. In order to compete with a globally competitive aluminum market, U.S. producers are seeking ways to reduce waste, lower costs, and enhance overall products.

Taber Extrusions wants to lead the way in extrusion development and be a part of its growth in the future. Taber offers a large variety of products and processes and does everything in its power to stay ahead of the curve, using the latest technology to create the best possible products. ‘Good products at low costs’ is what Taber tries to provide to its customers and they work hard every day to supply this with the best possible service.

To learn more about how we can be of service visit: http://taberextrusions.com/

For inquiries or quotes visit: http://taberextrusions.com/contact-us/

Follow Taber Extrusions

LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/company/8843183/

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/taberextrusions/

TWITTER: https://twitter.com/taberextrusions

Interested in becoming a part of the Taber Team? Submit your resume to careers@taberextrusions.com.

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