Taber Extrusions News Archives - Page 5 of 39

1 04, 2023

Your Partner for Responsibly-Sourced American Aluminum Billets

maria2023-04-04T18:49:20+00:00April 1st, 2023|

One company that has emerged as a leader in responsibly-sourced American aluminum billets as well as the aluminum industry is aluminum extrusion manufacturer Taber Extrusions. The American aluminum manufacturing and processing industry has faced several challenges in recent years due to tariffs, ITAR compliance regulations and most recently Build America, Buy America (BABA). Companies have been forced to navigate a complex landscape to ensure they can acquire the necessary raw materials to keep their operations running smoothly.

With their own aluminum cast house, Taber is able to provide responsibly sourced, ITAR and BABA compliant aluminum logs. This has allowed them to supply the rest of the US aluminum manufacturing industry with aluminum billets/logs. Taber has the capacity to do this even during times of uncertainty and the ever-changing geopolitical landscape.

: Aluminum billets being casted at Taber Extrusion’s Gulfport cast house.

Responsibly Sourced American Aluminum Billets or Logs

Taber Extrusions is committed to producing aluminum billets/logs in a responsible and sustainable manner. Taber sources their aluminum from reputable and trustworthy suppliers. Furthermore, Taber Extrusions takes additional steps to ensure their primary alloying components are responsibly sourced by using recycled aluminum in their manufacturing process. By doing so, they reduce their carbon footprint and conserve natural resources.

When it comes to buying aluminum billets/logs, there are several benefits to choosing a company like Taber Extrusions. Here are just a few:

Regulatory Compliance

As previously mentioned, the American aluminum manufacturing industry has faced several challenges in recent years due to tariffs, geopolitical issues, supply chain and logistical challenges.

ITAR and BABA compliance regulations can be difficult for companies to navigate. However, by choosing a vetted aluminum supplier, companies can rest assured that they are receiving compliant aluminum billets/logs. This reduces the risk of non-compliance penalties and helps ensure a company’s operations remain in good standing.

Pristine freshly cast aluminum logs sitting on pallets at Taber’s Gulfport cast house.

In conclusion, buying responsibly sourced aluminum billets/logs from industry leaders like Taber Extrusions is a smart choice for companies in the American aluminum manufacturing industry. By doing so, they can avoid the challenges posed by tariffs and ITAR compliance regulations, while also receiving a high-quality, reliable product that will help their operations run smoothly.

Where Does Your Ingot Come From for Your Aluminum Billet?

“Our supply chain does not include material from un-approved counties. Most customers find this knowledge helpful, along with the fact that Taber has 50-years-worth of experience. Not just aluminum extrusions, but aluminum technology and innovation. Our Gulfport cast house was modernized a few years back, and we make it our business to lead the way when it comes to giving our customers and partners the best America has to offer.”– Jason Weber, VP of Sales & Marketing, Taber Extrusions

History of Taber Extrusions and Their Gulfport, Mississippi Aluminum Cast House

Established in 1973, Taber has since become one of the leading aluminum extrusions companies in the U.S. by combining cutting-edge technology, innovation, and unmatched customer service within various industries around the globe. We are pioneers in the extrusion of large, heavy, and wide complex shapes that set us apart in the aluminum extrusion industry.

By 2017, Taber continued to expand, adding 7” billet molds to their existing 9”, 11”, 16”, and 20” diameter molds. The state-of-the-art upgrade in Gulfport, MS increased billet capacity by over 30% and allows Taber to manufacture American aluminum billets for defense, marine, and other specialized industries.

Taber’s bright aluminum casthouse in Gulfport, Mississippi. Angle on freshly cast aluminum billets. Sun shines through an open warehouse door.

Aluminum Billet Processing services include:

Billet casting – Gulfport, MS facility
Solution heat treatment
Stretcher/De-twister – 750-ton capacity
Cut-to-length
Custom packaging
Fabrication
Statistical process control
Quality assurance – defense contractor-approved
Artificial aging ovens

Aluminum Billet Engineering services include:

SolidWorks (CAD Design)
Extrusion design assistance
Tolerances in ASTM, AA, ANSI, DIN, or EN standards
CAD software (Auto CAD)
Ultrasonic testing: portable immersion (115 ft tank)
Analysis and testing capabilities: Chemistry, mechanical property testing, electrical conductivity testing, macroanalysis, microanalysis, Rockwell hardness test, Brinell hardness test, Webster hardness test, exfoliation corrosion test

Taber Extrusions has successfully taken business beyond the extrusion process, and allowed themselves to become a reputable full-service aluminum extrusion company capable of manufacturing complex and intricate extrusions that some companies may find impossible.

Charles Stout, President of Taber Extrusions wears a blue and while golf shirt, tan khaki pants and a black belt with his arms folded neatly across his front as he kindly smiles for the camera.

“The future is determined by our collective vision, efforts, and results.”

– Charles Stout, President, Taber Extrusions

Taber Extrusions located in Russellville, AR and Gulfport, MS, is a highly regarded provider of aluminum extrusions to a wide variety of industries including aerospace, infrastructure, transportation, defense, and thermal management. ISO 9001- and AS 9100-certified, Taber’s present and future customers can expect to see increased supply opportunities with the expanded set of extrusion solutions, programs, and services.

Thank you for your continued support of Taber Extrusions, LLC. If you have any questions, please visit taberextrusions.com or contact one of our Regional Sales Representatives.

Follow Taber Extrusions:

YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@TaberExtrusions

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

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.

15 03, 2023

The Boeing 747: Aluminum Extrusion Leader Taber Recognizes the End of an Era

maria2023-04-04T19:46:46+00:00March 15th, 2023|

A woman in a white dress stands on the beach gazing into the summer sky at an airplane ascending into the clouds.

On the 8th of September 2022, the world said its goodbyes to one of its beloved queens, Elizabeth II. She was the queen of the longest-reigning British monarch in the United Kingdom and the other Commonwealth realms. Her majesty graciously passed on at Balmoral Castle, Scotland at 96 years old. Today, we will again bid farewell to a queen that connected our world through flight and helped transform the aerospace industry altogether, the Boeing 747.

The last Boeing 747 left the company’s widebody factory in advance of its delivery to Atlas Air in early 2023.

Image Source & Corresponding Article: https://theaviationgeekclub.com/end-of-an-era-final-boeing-747-airplane-leaves-the-companys-everett-factory/

Known as the “Queen of the skies”, the Boeing 747’s final airplane – the 747-8 Freighter, rolled out its home in Everett, Washington. It will be delivered to Atlas Air for cargo delivery early this year.

The 747 ushered in more affordable long-haul travel by increasing capacity and lowering ticket costs. Designed from the beginning to carry both passengers and cargo, it was always intended to have dual roles. It was known as the first plane to have two aisles, and overhead bins.

“For more than half a century, tens of thousands of dedicated Boeing employees have designed and built this magnificent airplane that has truly changed the world. We are proud that this plane will continue to fly across the globe for years to come,” said Kim Smith, Boeing Vice President and general manager of the 747 and 767 Programs.

The image shows three colored photos. On the top half of the image is a photo of Atlas Air’s cargo plane with the nose of the plane open showing cargo. On the lower right is a line drawing of the world’s continents in white line on a blackboard background with a hand holding a miniature airplane. On the left is a photo of the last Boeing 747-8 being rolled out of a hangar for delivery to Atlas Air Cargo.

A Brief History of the Boeing 747

At the beginning of the “Jet Age” in the 50s, Boeing introduced the 707 – America’s first jet airliner. Compared to its predecessors (piston engines), jet engines were safer, cheaper, and faster. The demand for flying soon quadrupled through the years (1955-1972). Boeing and Pan Am took the opportunity to develop the 747s that made flying faster, accessible, and financially possible to the people.

Pan Am wanted to accommodate more passengers. By having a plane 2 ½ size bigger than the 707, the seat costs could be reduced by 30%. What was originally planned by Pan Am was to create a double-decker airplane, but instead, Boeing made the 747s wider. To meet the challenges of building a wider airplane, Boeing went with the four-engined jet aircraft. These were initially powered by Pratt & Whitney JT9D turbofan engines.

Joe Sutter, known as the father of the 747, led the design team. They along with other Boeing employees, were nicknamed the Incredibles for building the 747 in just 29 months.

Because the design was so big, Boeing had to build a plant around it during its construction in Everett, Washington. Today, that building is the biggest in the world by volume (13,300,000 Million cubic meters equivalent to more than 5,300 Olympic-sized swimming pools) and where the company builds its other wide-body aircraft.

The image shows two colored photos. On the left is a fleet of passenger airplanes parked on an airport runway. On the right is a sunset view of a Lufthansa airplane parked on an airport runway.

The End of an Era of the Boeing 747

A favorite among pilots, this airplane flies and lands beautifully. In agreement is Captain Lyn Rippelmeyer, the first woman to pilot the 747. She was also the first woman to captain a transatlantic flight 747.

Designed for long-haul flights, the 747 made international travel more accessible and affordable. Consequently, it was sought after by most airline companies when it was first introduced. Its elegance and top-notch performance gave the airlines a view that the 747 is legitimized them.

The ending of the 747 comes at a time when the aviation industry is looking to transform itself. Aligning with more fuel-efficient, environmentally friendly technologies is the new sentiment. Becoming green and sustainable is a path that most companies and industries aim for to build a better future.

Regardless, this doesn’t mean that we have seen the last days of the “queen of the skies.” She will continue to fly for decades-long according to Boeing. “They’re sending the queen out very fittingly” according to Kim Smith, Boeing Vice President, and general manager of the 747 and 767 Programs.

Currently, there are 396 Boeing 747s still in service today. Among them, 311 are freight, 44 of them are passenger planed, and 41 are for VIP or private service. Six airlines still operate the 747s, with Lufthansa being the largest at 25 in its fleet.

In the beginning, many people said that the 747 would not fly– both literally and financially. But Boeing took a huge risk and like Taber, became one of the pioneers that have shaped our world today.

How Taber helped shaped the Aerospace industry

Aluminum has been key to how man developed flight due to its rich properties and capabilities. The Wright brothers used aluminum for their first airplane in 1903. It had a four-cylinder, 12-horse-power engine modified with a 30-pound aluminum block to reduce its weight.

And since then, various aluminum alloys were used in aerospace engineering and have subsequently increased throughout the years.

Taber offers a full range of aluminum alloys including hard, soft, marine, and armor grade. This is a unique capability in the industry. Inside Taber Extrusion’s new state-of-the-art casthouse, aluminum billets are cast and extruded into a wide range of shapes and sizes.

Taber’s capabilities allow the company to serve several industries, including aerospace and firearms. The hard alloys that are created are ideal for these industries due to their high strength and corrosion resistance.

Components of Aerospace Vehicles including the Boeing 747

We have worked with most of the major aerospace manufacturers in the United States. Our extruded shapes are used for important components of aerospace vehicles:

Structural Flight Critical Components
Interior aircraft systems
Supplemental oxygen systems
Electrical/Communication Systems
Passenger Comfort Systems
Coolant radiators
Oil coolers
Intercoolers
AC condensers
Passenger service systems
Other fluid/gas systems

Producing profiles for the Aerospace and Defense industries is a foundational capability at Taber. “From the inception, Taber’s Russellville, AR facility has produced profiles for the commercial aircraft manufacturers.” Says Jason Weber, VP of Sales and Marketing at Taber Extrusions, “While Taber is sad to see the new aircraft builds of the 747 end, we’re excited for the future of the next generations of airframes and the sustainment of the existing fleet.”

Since 1973, Taber Extrusions has been known as the industry leader in providing some of the widest, heaviest, and most complex shapes to a variety of industries. This includes aerospace, military, shipbuilding, automotive, sporting goods, architectural, and distribution markets. Taber supplies intermediate to heavy press structural extrusions for various Boeing Commercial airplanes including 747, 767, 777, & 787 airframes. The company has manufactured aircraft and aerospace extrusions since 1973, servicing the Commercial, Military, and General Aviation markets.

More About Taber Extrusions

Founded in 1973, Taber Extrusions originally pioneered a process for extruding rectangular billet. This 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. It houses a new state-of-the-art cast house and two additional presses. In addition, Taber expanded its microextrusion capabilities, and the fabrication area has been expanded multiple times.

Taber continues to extrude billet in a wide range of alloys and sizes and has diversified its markets beyond the military since its inception to include aerospace, automotive, marine, infrastructure, and sporting goods, among many others. For these markets, the company supplies cast and extruded products in a variety of soft and hard alloys.

Today, Taber Extrusions has completed the addition of in-house friction stir welding capabilities and carries on their offering of extruded aluminum components, value-added machining services, and raw material supply to the North American market – making them a vertically integrated supplier of FSW panels and assemblies never before seen in North America.

Follow Aluminum Extrusion Experts Taber Extrusions

YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@TaberExtrusions

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.

Become a customer today! Visit us or request a quote: https://taberextrusions.com or call us at (888) 985-5319.

22 02, 2023

Large Aluminum Extrusion Design

maria2023-02-27T00:40:04+00:00February 22nd, 2023|

Graphic with three photos in sepia tint, with the title of the blog written in white font. The upper left photograph is of a circular building with multiple window frames. The upper right photo is a machine in Taber’s facility. Third photo at the bottom is the interior of the Taber factory.

“Dream big dreams; only big dreams have the power to move men’s souls.”

― Marcus Aurelius

If you think about it, innovation is ingrained in man’s DNA. As humans, we always want to better ourselves and the things that we utilize to improve our way of life. And why stop there? Why not be bigger?

Here at Taber, we continue to raise the bar and enhance our capabilities to help you realize your vision – in all shapes, forms, or sizes. And with that, we pride ourselves in having the only rectangular container in North America. A feat that sets us apart in the aluminum extrusion industry in terms of capabilities. We’ve uniquely positioned our company to have the ability to extrude wide shapes – which is much more comprehensive than the capability of traditional round containers. Our exclusive rectangular container allows us to supply our customers with some of the industry’s widest, most complex multi-void hollows.

Like the great Marcus Aurelius once said, “Dream big dreams; only big dreams have the power to move men’s souls.” And our large press capability will surely take your vision to reality.

Why Go BIG?

The larger the press, the bigger the extrusion. Assembly techniques can be reduced by eliminating the need to weld in using the largest available extrusions and/or mechanical joints, lowering the cost and time spent in construction.

Mechanical factors such as holes, threads, grooves, and placement of flaw-free welds affect the properties and fatigue-strength of the material. With large aluminum extrusion capability, fusion welds can be arranged in non-critical areas, or broaden the section nearest to a weld to compensate for any losses caused by the welding process.

In structures with complex parts, the use of large-scale extrusions streamlines the design, eliminating strain and possible drawbacks to the structure.

In a rectangular container, there is uniform metal flow in width and thickness of wider bars and profiles and the following is achieved, in contrast to a round container of similar geometry:

Typical flatness can be controlled to within normal AA specifications, multi-void hollow profiles of up to 29” width and solid profiles up to 31” wide. However, at times, profile designers demand flatness profiles outside of AA specifications. In these cases, Taber operates a compliment of secondary roll correction machines that are able to bring the profile into the desired tolerance range. Overall, it is best to consult with Taber early in the design process and we can work with you to design the best profile to meet your specifications and allow the most efficient production.

Graphic with 3 black and white photos with a poem about aluminum in white font printed on the photos. The one on the left is a photo of a high-rise building, the one the top right is a photo of a plane, and the one on the bottom right is a photo of a ship.

The advantages of working with aluminum extrusions in a variety of sizes are endless.

High recycling value
Reduced cost in tooling/machining
Reduced assembly time
High strength-weight ratio
Long lifespan with minimum maintenance
Aesthetically pleasing finishing options
Streamlined design possibilities
Wide range of large-scale applications
- Aircraft landing mats
- Heliport decking
- Bridge decking
- Air droppable pallets
- Shoring planks
- Loading platforms
- Airport structures
- 28” wide rectangular container
- Superstructure components
- Military vehicles
- Shipping containers
- Rail cars
- Truck trailers
- Buses
- Beverage trucks
- Light rail systems
- Delivery vehicles

Are You Ready to Go BIG?

To make your design more efficient, it’s imperative to have a deep understanding of the full scope from alloy properties to material and tooling costs, appropriate tolerancing, and the latest in manufacturing innovation. Taber Extrusion’s talented engineering team is available to assist your design engineers with the details:

Wall/material thickness
Uniform wall thickness
Wall/material variance
Radius vs square corners
Solid profiles if possible
Fewer cavities in hollow profiles
Profiles with deep channels and ratios
Heat sinks
Decorative surfaces run-out surface

We are proud to be set apart as more than just an extruder. Taber Extrusions is a full-service partner, and we have an unwavering commitment to consistently meeting and exceeding customer expectations by providing both products and services of the highest quality. This commitment is at the core of our value-added philosophy.

For us, unique, customized capabilities are key. Taber’s specialty is manufacturing complex and intricate extrusions that competitors consider difficult or even impossible. Our full range of extrusion presses, from 1800 and 3000 tons to our impressive large 8600 tons, gives us unmatched flexibility and profile capabilities.

One of the largest extrusion presses in the United States—our 8600-ton press—can extrude both 16- and 20-inch round billets, and 10” x 28” rectangular billets with a maximum circle size of 31” and up to 140 lbs. per foot. With the ability to extrude large, intricate configurations, such as lightweight but strong one-piece extrusions, the customer can incorporate whole assemblies of small components into one extruded part.

We’ve established notoriety for the highest levels of quality and responsiveness over four decades, and proudly hold the title of broadest capabilities in the aluminum extrusion industry.

About Taber Extrusions

Taber Extrusions is located in Russellville, AR, and Gulfport, MS, and is a highly regarded provider of aluminum extrusions to various industries including aerospace, infrastructure, transportation, defense, and thermal management. ISO 9001 and AS 9100 certified, Taber’s present and future customers can expect to see increased supply opportunities with the expanded set of extrusion solutions, programs, and services.

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

For inquiries or quotes visit: https://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.

3 01, 2023

Endless Possibilities: U.S. Aluminum Extrusion Manufacturer, Taber Extrusions

maria2023-03-07T02:03:08+00:00January 3rd, 2023|

“The power of imagination makes us infinite.”

– John Muir, Scottish-American author, environmental philosopher

Taber Extrusions, aluminum extrusion manufacturer, proves there are no boundaries when it comes to aluminum extrusion design and engineering. After almost five decades of operation, we continue to take pride in the ability to bring your imagination into reality.

The History of Taber Extrusions, aluminum extrusion manufacturer

Established in 1973, Taber has since become one of the leading aluminum extrusion manufacturers in the U.S. by combining cutting-edge technology, innovation, and unmatched customer service within various industries around the globe. We are pioneers in the extrusion of large, heavy, and wide complex shapes that set us apart in the aluminum extrusion industry.

Expansion started in 1995 when Taber acquired the Gulfport, Mississippi facility, giving easy access to its ports and industrial scraps. In time, Taber also added two additional presses and a cast house which increased our capabilities to cast, extrude, and fabricate products in-house (we oversee everything). Fabrication capabilities were added to the Russellville facility in 2014, which already houses the company’s large 8,600 MT press with three container sizes (a container for the extrusion of rectangular billet, as well as two round containers, a 16-inch, and a 20-inch). The fabrication area has been expanded several times since it was constructed, with the addition of B&O B-800 series, Marvel band saws for precision cutting, horizontal and vertical machining centers, and a Zeiss coordinate measuring machine (CMM) for quality control.

By 2017, Taber continued to expand, adding 7” billet molds to our existing 9”, 11”, 16”, and 20” diameter molds. The state-of-the-art upgrade in Gulfport, MS increased billet capacity by over 30% and allows Taber to manufacture aluminum billets for defense, marine, and other specialized industries.

Four photo collage showing the massive facilities and equipment used by Taber Extrusions in producing aluminum extrusion products.

Precision Micro-Extrusion

In 2018, Taber added precision micro-extrusion to their services which allows designers and engineers the freedom to create aluminum profiles that are un-extrudable through conventional presses. A great addition to their arsenal of capabilities, the micro-extrusion presses are built to allow the production of extrusions with wall thicknesses of 0.020 inches and tolerance capabilities of +/- 0.001 inches (depending on shape design).

Three side-by-side photos illustrating how tiny micro-extrusions actually are. (Trust us, they’re itty-bitty. And Taber Extrusions can make them like the experts they are.)

Friction Stir Welding

In April 2019, Taber Extrusions continued to answer the call to the rising demand for domestic aluminum products by breaking ground with an expanded Russellville facility to house a new friction stir welding operation. Traditional welding techniques can’t easily fuse metals such as aluminum, copper, and other metal alloys. With FSW (friction stir welding), they are joined by the solid-state joining technique in which a coalescence results from applying pressure alone or with a combination of heat and pressure.

Friction stir welding produces high-quality welds with minimal distortion and can easily be automated allowing it to be used widely in the aerospace, rail, automotive, shipbuilding, transportation, and marine industries.

Taber’s willingness to invest and deliver the widest scope of services across the aluminum extrusion industry will continue going forward according to Jason Weber, Taber V.P. of Sales and Marketing.

Haas VF-12 CNC Machine

The fairly recent addition of the Haas VF-12 CNC machine in 2021 raised the bar in their commitment to providing world-class products and services to clients and sets a strong example of how Taber continues to shape the future of the aluminum extrusion industry.

Long aluminum extrusions can be precisely made within the machine, cutting down on processing times and costs. With the internal automatic tool change capacity (30+1), the VF-12 fits the bill for Taber’s focus with the Russellville facility providing some of the largest profiles in North America.

A Taber operator using the cutting edge Taber machine called Haas VF-12 CNC machine inside the Taber facility.

What does North America’s leading vertically integrated aluminum extruder have in store for the future? For years, Taber’s direction has been aligned with one of their primary customers – the defense industry, where they’ve pioneered the highest level of quality & satisfaction in terms of providing products, offerings, and services. Taber Extrusions plans to go further and cover more ground – literally.

2023 will be a big year for all Taber facilities. In addition to the aforementioned capability expansions, Taber is also planning many capital upgrades to the line-up of existing equipment.

Today, industries and world economies are shifting to green and sustainable ways of doing business and Taber aspires to fill a leading role in providing efficient solutions to these entities. From creating aluminum extrusions which will eventually become lightweight trailers to manufacturing components for transportation infrastructure, Taber’s goal is to apply their expertise and showcase their capabilities to improve the transportation industry.

At Taber, if you can dream it, we can shape it.

Processing services include:

Billet casting – Gulfport, MS facility
Solution heat treatment
Stretcher/De-twister – 750-ton capacity
Cut-to-length
Custom packaging
Fabrication
Statistical process control
Quality assurance – defense contractor-approved
Artificial aging ovens

Engineering services include:

SolidWorks (CAD Design)
Extrusion design assistance
Tolerances in ASTM, AA, ANSI, DIN, or EN standards
CAD software (Auto CAD)
Ultrasonic testing: portable immersion (115 ft tank)
Analysis and testing capabilities: Chemistry, mechanical property testing, electrical conductivity testing, macroanalysis, microanalysis, Rockwell hardness test, Brinell hardness test, Webster hardness test, exfoliation corrosion test

“Change The World” Kind of Crazy

As creative marketing icon Rob Siltanen once said, “People who are crazy enough to think they can change the world are the ones who do.”

Taber has never run out of “crazy-enough-to-change-the-world” attitude when it comes to retaining employees and keeping valued clients – as they are much more than a leading aluminum extrusion manufacturer. Empowered by employee’s hearts and ambitions, Taber Extrusions strives to maintain a healthy relationship with each team member, as this is key to a successful career for both them and for the company.

“The future is determined by our collective vision, efforts, and results. Where we go and how we perform is all about what we do as a team and has very little to do with what is going on around us.” – Charles Stout, President, Taber Extrusions

Taber Extrusions, U.S. aluminum extrusion manufacturer: Summary

Taber Extrusions is a U.S. aluminum extrusion manufacturer located in Russellville, AR and Gulfport, MS. A highly regarded provider of aluminum extrusions to a wide variety of industries including aerospace, infrastructure, transportation, defense, and thermal management, Taber offers endless possibilities. ISO 9001- and AS 9100-certified, Taber’s present and future customers can expect to see increased supply opportunities with the expanded set of extrusion solutions, programs, and services.

Founded in 1973, Taber Extrusions originally pioneered a process for extruding rectangular billet. This aluminum extrusion manufacturer is able 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 new state-of-the-art cast house and two additional presses, micro-extrusion capabilities, and the fabrication area has been expanded multiple times.

Extruding billet in a wide range of alloys and sizes, Taber has diversified its markets beyond military since its inception to include aerospace, automotive, marine, infrastructure, and sporting goods, among many others. For these markets, this aluminum extrusion manufacturer supplies cast and extruded products in a variety of soft and hard alloys.

Today, Taber Extrusions is proud of its friction stir welding capabilities, and a full offering of extruded aluminum components, value-added machining services, and raw material supply to the North American market.

Thank you for your continued support of Taber Extrusions, LLC. If you have any questions, please visit taberextrusions.com or contact one of our Regional Sales Representatives.

Follow Taber Extrusions:

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

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.

19 12, 2022

Fun Ways to Gift Aluminum This Holiday Season

maria2022-12-19T20:53:45+00:00December 19th, 2022|

A view from above an antique wooden table with gift boxes laid at the bottom and right side. The gifts are wrapped in festive Christmas colors. A translucent rounded rectangular banner with the title of the article is written in a black and white font inside the banner.

What are the fun ways to gift aluminum this holiday season? When we hear the word “aluminum,” the first things that come to mind are those busy construction sites, a stretch of beautifully designed and elegant windows in city buildings, that stylish sports car you saw on the road one time, or the thin metallic wrapping on your favorite sandwich (or that cold six-pack waiting for you to get home). Aluminum is everywhere and it has shaped our world in many ways.

And as you may have already known by reading our past articles about aluminum here at Taber, the applications are only limited by our imagination. We know that it is pliable – lightweight yet strong, rich in properties, and highly recyclable. Wouldn’t it be awesome to gift your loved ones something made in aluminum this holiday?

I bet you didn’t see that coming from us here at Taber – but as the holidays draw closer, we want to help you explore these gift ideas, so you don’t have to wait for that traditional 10th-anniversary aluminum gift.

Smart Watches/Wearable Technology

Most smartwatches in the market today use aluminum and even aircraft-grade aluminum

casing for their wearable devices making them elegant and durable. Help motivate your loved ones on their fitness journey with style.

Laptops

Yes, the first thing to consider when purchasing a laptop is its specifications or what is under the hood. But laptop chassis or casings made with aluminum are more durable than plastic making it safe for the internal components inside.

Aluminum Cookware

Cookware made from aluminum is widely used in the restaurant business because of its durability and it distributes heat well making them cost-effective.

A collage of three photos. On the upper left corner is a row of colorful metal water bottles on a shelf. At the bottom left corner is two hands reaching to grab two water bottles colored black and white on their sides on a white sheet. And the photo on the right shows aluminum pans in a row hanging on hooks on a wall of a kitchen.

Water Bottle Tumblers

These are great vessels for your hot and cold drinks because their ability to retain temperature makes cold drinks stay cold longer and hot drinks stay warm.

Luggage Bags

Light yet durable, this is the reason why most luggage bags are manufactured using aluminum. They can be resistant to liquid, are professional-looking (but stylish at the same time) and are easy to secure.

Aluminum Photo Print

They are light and easy to hang, making them appropriate for large-scale designs suitable for both indoor and outdoor spaces.

Jewelry

When aluminum is anodized, it allows the absorption of dyes and paints into the material making stunning and unique effects.

A collage of three photos. On the left is a guitar laid down with a focus on the bridge and strings. On the upper right is a portrait of a person, both hands holding the jewelry on their head and wearing a large aluminum bracelet on one arm. The third photo in the lower right corner is a portrait of a person on the dark background with headphones. The image is created with lines of vibrant neon colors signifying music and art.

Aluminum Guitars

According to Hoxey Guitars, an aluminum guitar exhibits a very full-frequency tone with a piano-esque low end, a detailed midrange, and a complex treble brilliance that lends it a chorus-like three-dimensionality.

A Romantic Sound Wave

A company like Soundwave Art makes aluminum soundwave art by sandwiching a black, solid plastic core between two aluminum sheets. Your Soundwave is printed and attached to the aluminum.

Kitchen Appliances

While stainless steel might be more durable than aluminum, it’s also heavier in exchange, and aluminum is a much more lightweight material to work with and handle. You can learn more by visiting this link.

A beautiful modern kitchen with a metallic fridge, gas range, and microwave oven. There are metallic lamps on the ceiling and a circular-shaped insert photo of a close-up of a gas range’s controls and knobs.

These are only some of the general ideas that make ideal gifts made from aluminum that you can consider this holiday season. Isn’t it surprising to know that aluminum can be a unique, elegant, and thoughtful way of showing your loved ones how you took the time to give them something to enjoy this year?

You can also check out our 50 Aluminum Gift Ideas to see specific gift items for your reference.

While you’re at it, do take time to visit our website to learn more about Taber and our capabilities. Taber Extrusions wants to lead the way in extrusion development and be a part of its growth in the future.

More About Leading Aluminum Extruder Taber Extrusions

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: https://taberextrusions.com/

For inquiries or quotes visit: https://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.

3 11, 2022

Aluminum Extrusions Key Design Considerations

maria2023-03-07T01:48:18+00:00November 3rd, 2022|

Aluminum is becoming more and more popular in the building and manufacturing industries because of its rich and useful properties, giving rise to aluminum extrusions’ key design considerations. When aluminum extrusion was discovered, it allowed the material to be transformed into almost any shape, size, and form imaginable making engineers and design professionals achieve both form and function.

Although aluminum extrusion presents flexibility in terms of design, we also know that there can be limitations as with all manufacturing processes. However, understanding these design challenges can improve the functionality of your design and help reduce production costs and time.

Our goal here is to determine the best design for your project and with aluminum extrusion, it is equally important to understand the function of your profile as well as its appearance. That being said, we’d like to share with you key things to consider when designing your next aluminum extrusion profile with us.

A couple aluminum extrusions key design considerations to start with:

WALL THICKNESS

Wall thickness can be cost-efficient depending on the requirements of your project. Having a uniform wall thickness and minimal aluminum thickness on your profile is efficient both in cost and production time.

Removing uneven wall thickness during your design process is beneficial as it eliminates problems during the extrusion and cooling process. It ensures that the end product is clear of uneven finishes, cosmetic issues, and is structurally sound. It also eliminates high production costs due to potential difficulties during production.

Some of the factors that influence wall thickness are:

The choice of the alloy
The shape of the profile
Extrusion press power and speed
The desired surface treatment
Desired tolerances

TOLERANCES

Profile tolerance is a key consideration and is critical to the design profile. It is applied to the physical dimensions of a part during manufacturing. Depending on its intended application, there are standard tolerances that are published and are important to consider. Among them are wall thickness, dimension size, location, profile type (solid or hollow), alloy used, cross section, and the parts application. To learn more, you may reach us here.

A few more aluminum extrusions key design considerations:

SHAPE

In line with wall thickness, simple shapes are also efficient in terms of cost and production time. Yes, aluminum extrusion can produce a range of shapes and designs to meet the aesthetic and structural requirements of a designer; but razor-sharp corners and the extrusion process don’t go well together as they tend to bend and become uneven. Also, complicated shapes in turn will need to have complicated dies resulting in higher tooling costs.

There are three general classifications of extruded shapes: solid, semi-hollow, and hollow.

Solid shapes have a cross-section that does not have any voids. They are cheaper to make because they are less complex. Semi-hollow profiles are defined by the tongue ratio (width of the gap vs. its depth). A larger ratio is classified as semi-hollow while a smaller ratio is considered as solid. Hollow profiles contain a void or maybe even multiple voids on a single profile.

SURFACE FINISHES

When exposed to the elements in our atmosphere, different materials can be vulnerable, and aluminum is no exception. Aluminum naturally forms a thin oxide layer on its surface and serves as protection against the elements.

However, aluminum extrusions can be finished with a variety of paint, anodize, or mechanical treatments when additional surface protection or an enhanced appearance is desired. One factor to be considered about finishing is the in-use environment that your profile needs. There are, however, other reasons for treating aluminum surfaces such as color, hardness, better resistance to wear and corrosion, reflectivity, electrical insulation, and enhancements to the surface structure.

It is important to remember that the dimensions that were added to a finished profile are often overlooked. Although these changes can be minor, there can be critical impacts caused by these changes that may be troublesome to your projects. You can reach us here to know more about the finishing options and considerations for your profile.

ALLOY SELECTION

A wide selection of alloys and tempers are available depending on your profile’s needs and use. Aluminum is alloyed with other materials to enhance strength and/or attributes to cater to most applications. Therefore, you initially need to determine the function of your profile to determine the best alloy to use for your profile.

In addition to alloy selection, temper — the hardness and strength imparted to the metal by mechanical or thermal treatment — determines the ultimate physical performance of an aluminum extrusion.

To know more about this, click here so we can guide you on the best alloys to use for your profile.

So, what’s next? Find the right company that specializes in aluminum extrusions, billet casting, fabrication, microextrusions, friction stir welding, and design assistance.

Who can help with aluminum extrusions key design considerations:

Taber Extrusions is a full-service partner, and we have an unwavering commitment to consistently meeting and exceeding customer expectations by providing both products and services of the highest quality. This commitment is at the core of our value-added philosophy.

For us, unique, customized capabilities are key. Taber Extrusions’ specialty is the manufacturing of complex and intricate extrusions that competitors consider difficult or even impossible. Our full range of extrusion presses, from 1800 and 3000 tons to our impressive large 8600 tons, give us unmatched flexibility and profile capabilities.

For example, one of the largest extrusion presses in the United States, our 8600-ton press, has the capability to extrude both 16 and 20-inch round billets, and 10” x 28” rectangular billets with a maximum circle size of 31” and up to 140 lbs. per foot. With the ability to extrude large, intricate configurations, such as lightweight but strong one-piece extrusions, the customer can incorporate whole assemblies of small components into one extruded part.

Our value-added philosophy, along with our custom capabilities and top-tier customer service, is why Taber Extrusions has been a leader in the extrusion industry for over four decades.

More About Taber Extrusions – Company History

Taber Extrusions, located in Russellville, AR, and Gulfport, MS, is a highly regarded provider of aluminum extrusions to a wide variety of industries including aerospace, infrastructure, transportation, defense, and thermal management. ISO 9001 and AS 9100 certified, Taber’s present and future customers can expect to see increased supply opportunities with the expanded set of extrusion solutions, programs, and services.

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 new state-of-the-art cast house and two additional presses, micro-extrusion capabilities, and the fabrication area has been expanded multiple times.

Thank you for your continued support of Taber Extrusions, LLC. If you have any questions, please visit taberextrusions.com or contact one of our Regional Sales Representatives.

Follow Taber Extrusions:

LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/company/taberextrusions/
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/taberextrusions/
TWITTER: https://twitter.com/taberextrusions

3 10, 2022

The Benefits of Aluminum Extrusions as a Solution to Product Design Challenges

maria2023-03-07T02:09:39+00:00October 3rd, 2022|

Triptych with left image displays 5 samples of Taber’s aluminum extrusion products in varied shapes. Middle image shows a curved exterior of a building with beautifully designed rectangularly framed windows. The last photo on the right is a sepia-toned picture of another building showing staggered rectangularly framed windows.

The benefits of aluminum extrusions as a solution to product design challenges are numerous. Aluminum is an abundant mineral found in the Earth’s crust. It is highly conductive, has low density, has excellent resistance to corrosion, is malleable, and most importantly — it is recyclable! Combined with the process of extrusion, it is the most cost-effective, functional, and efficient way of achieving form and function in design and engineering.

From humble beginnings in 1894, Alexander Dick developed the hot extrusion process allowing non-ferrous alloys to be extruded. The applications for aluminum in architecture, engineering, electronics, transportation, and other industries has grown exponentially since then.

According to Technavio, the aluminum extrusion market share is expected to increase by 8.87 million tons from 2020 to 2025, and the market’s growth momentum will accelerate at a CAGR of 5.02%.

“Form follows function — that has been misunderstood. Form and function should be one, joined in a spiritual union.” — Frank Lloyd Wright

A black and white oval-framed portrait of the great American architect and designer, Frank Lloyd Wright. In line with the portrait, written in bold white font on a blue background is a quote from the late architect, “Form follows function—that has been misunderstood. Form and function should be one, joined in a spiritual union.”

The Benefits of Aluminum Extrusions on Form and Function

What is form and function? It is a principle of design associated with late 19^th– and early 20^th-century architecture and industrial design in general, which states that the shape of a building or object should primarily relate to its intended function or purpose.

This is only a part of how the benefits of aluminum extrusion helps designers, engineers, and industries in building and shaping our world. It is basically all around us, from a simple child’s toy to a medical device that saves lives. From vehicles and infrastructure that transport us by land, sea, and air — to the satellites that connect us seamlessly through technology. This process has changed how we live, thrive, and build our future.

Collage showing the different industries that use aluminum extrusion. The upper left photo shows a beautiful view above the city traffic and skyscrapers with lights on at night. Below that is a photo showing a huge cargo ship leaving the docks with a view of the sunset. Beside it, on the right is a high-speed train with a red roof and aluminum body passing through a modern underground terminal. Lastly, in the upper right corner, is a photo of a satellite orbiting near Earth in space.

Through the years, aluminum extrusion has evolved and grown alongside advancements in technology. These breakthroughs helped the industry improve raw materials with the aid of modern testing and surveying. As the world goes digital, everything is done using a computer and/or smart technology, which means materials that have undergone the process are precise, accurate, and spot on!

Pentaptych image showing the modern ways of how aluminum extrusion is created and used. First left image shows an engineering surveyor working with surveying equipment. Next is a close-up of a circuit board used in modern electronics. Third is a scientist looking through a telescope wearing a white lab gown and mask. Fourth image is a green metal press in a factory demonstrating how materials are processed in a production line. Last photo shows a desktop computer from above with a hand at a keyboard showcasing how aluminum extrusion is designed.

More Benefits of Aluminum Extrusions as a Design Solution

There are many benefits of Aluminum extrusions in terms of strength, resilience, corrosion resistance, and weight. The material itself is lightweight at about 1/3 that of iron, steel, copper, or brass which makes the material ideal for shipping and logistics. The process enhances the strength-to-weight ratio of the material and is applicable to a variety of industries where weight is a consideration in terms of design and capabilities.

One advantage is that it can develop its own inert aluminum oxide film that blocks further oxidation. While other materials get brittle when temperatures are reduced, aluminum gains strength, making it a preferred choice for low-temperature applications. It diffuses heat which allows designers to optimize heat dissipation in electrical housings and other components.

And what about safety? Aluminum is non-sparking making it suitable when combustible materials are present. Aluminum can be substituted for copper in electrical conductors, can help reduce the cost and weight of electrical connectors. As well, It does not burn and does not produce toxic fumes.

Aluminum is widely used in all industries around the world. Combined with the process of extrusion, it will surely be beneficial in terms of alternative materials and processes that will give way to innovation and continue to enrich our lives.

Collage showing the advantages of aluminum extrusion. First photo shows a sheet of metal material covered in rust and deteriorating. Beside it is a photo of a bicycle parked on a sidewalk covered with thick white snow. Above it is a photo of a small scale with blocks of sugar weighing in at ¼ grams. Lastly, a hanging metal chain with links symbolizing strength.

So, you know the benefits of aluminum extrusions, what’s next? Find the right company that specializes in aluminum extrusions, billet casting, fabrication, microextrusions, friction stir welding, and design assistance.

A Partner That Understands the Benefits of Aluminum Extrusion as a Design Solution

Taber is a full-service partner, and we have an unwavering commitment to consistently meeting and exceeding customer expectations by providing both products and service of the highest quality. This commitment is at the core of our value-added philosophy.

For us, the unique, customized capabilities are key. Taber Extrusions’ specialty is the manufacturing of complex and intricate extrusions which competitors consider difficult or even impossible. Our full range of extrusion presses, from 1800 and 3000 ton to our impressive large 8600 ton, give us unmatched flexibility and profile capabilities.

Take for example, one of the largest extrusion presses in the United States, our 8600-ton press, has the capability to extrude both 16- and 20-inch round billets, and 10” x 28” rectangular billets with a maximum circle size of 31” and up to 100 pounds per foot. With the ability to extrude large, intricate configurations, such as lightweight but strong one-piece extrusions, the customer can incorporate whole assemblies of small components into one extruded part.

Our value-added philosophy, along with our custom capabilities and top-tier customer service, is why Taber has been a leader in the extrusion industry for over four decades.

More About Taber Extrusions

Taber Extrusions, located in Russellville, AR and Gulfport, MS, is a highly regarded provider of aluminum extrusions to a wide variety of industries including aerospace, infrastructure, transportation, defense, and thermal management. ISO-9001 and AS-9100 certified, Taber’s present and future customers can expect to see increased supply opportunities with the expanded set of extrusion solutions, programs, and services.

Founded in 1973, Taber 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 new state-of-the-art cast house and two additional presses, microextrusion capabilities, and the fabrication area has been expanded multiple times. Taber continues to extrude billet in a wide range of alloys and sizes 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 cast and extruded products in a variety of soft and hard alloys.

Today, Taber is proud of its friction stir welding capabilities, and full offering of extruded aluminum components, value-added machining services, and raw material supply to the North American market.

Thank you for your continued support of Taber. If you have any questions, please visit taberextrusions.com or contact one of our Regional Sales Representatives.

Follow Taber Extrusions:

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

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

TWITTER: https://twitter.com/taberextrusions

3 09, 2022

The Aluminum Extruders Council: The Best Resource for All Things Aluminum Extrusion

maria2023-03-07T01:32:57+00:00September 3rd, 2022|

The remarkably most abundant mineral in the Earth’s crust is aluminum, although it does not typically appear in its pure form in nature. Derived from bauxite, it is a mineral mined in several parts of the world. It was not until 1888 that humankind developed an economically attainable process for the commercial production of aluminum. For decades, it has opened new dimensions. Countless aluminum-made objects simplify and increase the quality of our daily lives, such as compact discs, cars, refrigerators, kitchenware, electric power lines, packaging for food and medicine, computers, furniture, and aircraft.

Trivia time! Built in 1931, the Empire State Building was the highest building worldwide until 1970. Did you know that it was the first building that used aluminum in construction, both in the basic structures and interior?

What is the Aluminum Extruders Council (AEC)?

The Aluminum Extruders Council (AEC) is a global trade association dedicated to advancing the effective use of aluminum extrusion in North America. AEC is committed to bringing the diverse details about extrusion’s attributes, utilization, environmental welfare, composition, and technology to its market, engineers, product designers, and the academic community. Additionally, AEC focuses on enhancing its members’ ability to meet the market’s emerging demands through sharing knowledge and best practices.

How The Aluminum Extruders Council Began

Leaders in the aluminum extruders industry formed the Aluminum Extruders Council in 1949. Back then, the biggest issue for individual extruders was access to aluminum. Since metal was apportioned, these individuals could join forces and get the material they needed.

As time evolved, the Aluminum Extruders Council has become a player in some of the most significant geopolitical issues of the day. As an example, they were heavily involved in the Section 232 investigation. The very recent Russian sanctions impacted them because Russia is the world’s second-largest aluminum producer.

Most noteworthy, in 2009, the AEC came together and decided to initiate a trade case against the Chinese aluminum extrusion industry. These Chinese companies were “dumping” their cheap metal on the U.S. market and threatening the very existence of the North American aluminum extrusion industry. The Council won its case and became the first aluminum segment to address China’s overage and excess capacity in 2011. That was an important event in the AEC’s history. It galvanized the domestic industry, and the AEC developed into its current association.

What The Aluminum Extruders Council Does

AEC focuses on enhancing its members‘ ability to meet the market’s emerging demands through knowledge sharing and best practices. They provide resources for members to continuously improve and excel in their profession, expand their operations, and promote the industry. Devoted to assisting its members in overcoming the challenges that emerge in a competitive manufacturing environment, the Aluminum Extruders Council provides the following programs, initiatives, and support services:

Informs designers and manufacturers of the advantages and applications of aluminum extrusions through its website, educational presentations, and webinars.
Publishes the yearly Buyers’ Guide, a directory of member companies to be used as a directory and buyer’s pool of information.
Enlightens members about emerging technologies and industry trends via publications and educational opportunities such as training sessions, online programs, seminars, and conferences.
Collects, analyzes, and disseminates production and management statistical information to help members benchmark operations.
Works with government and regulatory bodies on matters pertinent to the industry.
Provides numerous networking opportunities for members to exchange, discuss, and problem-solve their everyday challenges.
Recommends North American aluminum extrusion industry interests.
Listens to members’ concerns and allows member input through various volunteer opportunities.

Taber Extrusions Connection with the AEC

Taber Extrusions is a proud member of the Aluminum Extrusions Council, and our very own Charles Stout, Jason Weber, and Jeffrey Bladow are active members of the AEC.

Charles Stout is the president of Taber Extrusions. He is a highly skilled and innovative leader with over 25 years of experience across multiple end markets. He has over 5+ years of experience in the aluminum extrusion industry and has worked for almost ten years in the United States Navy as a Nuclear Machinist’s Mate Chief. Since he became the president, he has brought a renewed focus on ownership, accountability, focus, and driving results. As Taber’s president, Charles sets a strong example by being the chairman of the Academic Engagement committee in the Aluminum Extruders Council.

Jason Weber is the Vice President of Sales & Marketing for Taber Extrusions. He has more than 20 years of global manufacturing background experience, lending a hand in product innovation and offering services. Jason is an active part of the AEC and member of the Council’s Marketing/Industry Promotion Team.

Jeffrey Bladow is the director of new business development at Taber. Jeffrey has been helping Taber grow by assisting in strategy development as well as providing technical support to customers regarding Taber’s new processes and applications. Like Jason and Charles, he is also an active member of AEC, specifically in the Automotive Committee.

The International Aluminum Extrusion Technology Seminar (ET or ET Seminar)

The International Aluminum Extrusion Technology Seminar or “ET” – is a comprehensive event that is unafraid to address every facet of the aluminum extrusion industry through its quality programming, which spans three days. The ET Seminar has a reputation for dedication to brilliance. Those in the aluminum extrusion industry highly reveres this event. Global delegates gather to hear about the latest industry developments from the brightest minds in business and academia. At the core of the ET program are the technical sessions. Additionally, the highest caliber technical papers are accepted for presentation. All the research is new or updated, making ET unique in the industry!

ET IS DISCOVERING THE BENCHMARK AND PRIMING EXTRUSION COMPANIES FOR THE FUTURE.

ET Image Attribution: https://www.aec.org/page/et22-expo

The Team Supremacy

ET Foundation (https://www.linkedin.com/company/et-foundation/) provides extensive briefings to every person on your team. From technical forums to in-conjunction workshops to the ET Expo, Showcase, and nETworking, ET provides the medium for all aluminum extrusion information your team members will value and utilize. Your ET investment will bring in ongoing benefits for your established senior staff and the up-and-coming generation of new industry talent. ET ’24 (ET24.US) will kick off on April 30^th, 2024 in Orlando, Florida.

What’s So Special About ET?

ET is so unique that it only takes place once every four years. The event, focused entirely on the aluminum extrusion industry, is unmatched.

Experience up-to-date research and technology breakthroughs in the aluminum extrusion field at the 120+ technical sessions presented by international experts in every aspect of extrusion — technical, scientific, and research. The ET Foundation, the organization that produces the event, continually strives to improve the ET program. Additional learning opportunities are being added with the focus on the extrusion end users and designers, offering technical sessions that address topics from markets like automotive and transportation, marine, electrical and building & construction, processes like anodizing & painting extrusions, fabrication & assembly, and simulation & modeling, and concepts like designing with extrusions, sustainability & recycling, automation, and much more.

Look into the vital ET Expo, featuring products, equipment, and services from leading industry suppliers. Beyond a trade show, ET Expo is the hub of knowledge, where challenges are addressed with new concepts and ideas.

Join nETworking opportunities to develop, expand, and enhance your connections, for business success, and career growth.

The Extrusion Showcase banner is on the right and the ET exhibitions are to the left in a hall. ET Showcase Image Attribution: https://www.aec.org/page/et22-showcase

ET Showcase Image Attribution: https://www.aec.org/page/et22-showcase

ET ’22, held in May 2022, was the ideal place to share ideas and experiences, mentor new talent, meet tough challenges, and plan for future success.

The event provided opportunities to connect with aluminum extrusion industry professionals from over 50 countries at the International Aluminum Extrusion Technology Seminar (ET Seminar)! This foremost seminar delivered over 120 technical sessions, hosted an exposition featuring products, equipment, and services from industry suppliers, networking events, and much more!

The next ET Seminar event is scheduled to take place in less than two years in Orlando, Florida.

Want to get more details? You may check out their page (https://www.linkedin.com/company/et-foundation/) for updates or subscribe to their newsletter!

About Taber Extrusions

Taber Extrusions’ specialty is manufacturing complex and intricate aluminum extrusions, which competitors consider difficult or impossible. Taber can customize their products for any application: military and defense, aircraft and aerospace, transportation, automotive, architectural, sporting goods, and naval marine industries.

Additionally, Taber Extrusions is a full-service partner. amongst its offerings: custom aluminum alloy casting, award-winning extrusion of complex, heavy, and wide shapes, finishing services such as cut-to-length, welding, painting, and anodizing, along with ultrasonic testing, and more. We are committed to constantly meeting and exceeding customer expectations by providing products and services of the highest quality.

Why has Taber Extrusions been a trailblazer in the extrusion industry for over four decades? We’re minority-owned and ISO-9001 certified, to start. Add Taber’s value-added outlook, with our adaptive capacity and premium customer service, and Taber becomes a legacy.

Request a quote here or call us today at (888) 985-5319! Also, here’s our brochure.

Follow Taber Extrusions:

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

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

TWITTER: https://twitter.com/taberextrusions

3 08, 2022

Aluminum Extrusion Finishes or #AluminumExtrusionFinishes

maria2023-03-07T00:52:17+00:00August 3rd, 2022|

Aluminum extrusion finishes, or #aluminumextrusionfinishes, are important to a final extrusion product. When working with an aluminum extruder, it’s essential to have your finish in mind: it’s important to know what’s going to happen to the extrusion once it leaves our plant. Whatever end-result you desire, your aluminum extrusion manufacturer can help you choose the right finishing technique so your end product is durable and visually pleasing. This article will help explain the various options available after your extruder has completed their role in the journey to your final extrusion product.

When designing different projects and products, aluminum extrusions are essential. An appropriate finish ensures that the extrusions are eye-appealing and corrosion-resistive at the same time. After you’ve decided to design your custom aluminum extrusions, there are some important choices you need to make. Picking out an appropriate finish will certify that your extrusions have a suitable appearance and proper corrosion resistance.

Benefits to Treating Aluminum Surfaces:

Color
Electrical insulation
Hardness
More acceptable resistance to wear
Better resistance to corrosion
Improving the surface structure
Reflectivity

A graphic of the types of aluminum surface finishes: anodize, powder paint, raw, and liquid paint with a traction tread steel plate as the background.

Reasons to Consider Adding Aluminum Extrusion Finishes

Environmental protection:

Natural oxide films protect the metal from corrosion; environmental fluctuations will require extra care. Humidity, moisture, and extreme weather fluctuations can accelerate deterioration. Adding an extra layer of protection is essential to save the metal from corrosion.

Metal preparation:

An extra finish layer is necessary if you plan to paint the metal. Anodizing will need to thicken the natural oxide film on the surface of the metal. The procedure enhances the resistibility of aluminum against corrosion.

Enhanced appearance:

To please the eyes, finishing the surface becomes essential. The first demand of the consumer product is an aesthetically pleasing product. You have options between, a bright color product, a textured look, or a mirror finish.

Advantages of Aluminum Surface Treatments

Adapting surface hardness and abrasion resistance
Improves the appearance of the aluminum
Layer gluing like varnish, bonding adhesives, and paints
Can enhance deterioration resistance

Types of Aluminum Surface Finishes

Anodizing:

Combined chemical and electrical processes are surface treatments for aluminum finishing and anodizing. A porous anodic oxide layer forms over the surface. It thickens the oxide film for additional protection against corrosion. Anodized aluminum can take up vibrant colors, and any aluminum alloy can be anodized. A painted aluminum profile will initially undertake a paint stripping process. Additionally, anodized aluminum profiles can be melted and recycled without pretreatment.

three aluminum carabiners colored green, blue and yellow

Uses of Anodizing:

Enhance the surface’s resistance to corrosion.

Give aluminum surfaces an electrically insulated coating.
Create a “dirt repellent” surface to meet hygiene requirements (seen in aluminum extrusions used for food processing).
Creating a function-specific surface finish (seen in abrasion-resistant or slip surfaces in machine parts).
Maintain a surface’s “as-new” appearance.
Create a “base coat,” readying the surface for the application of printing inks or other adhesives.
Provide a decorative aluminum finishing that has durable colors and a gloss.

Powder Paint:

Powder coating is a hugely widespread method of aluminum finishing as it offers a limitless choice of repeatability powder and color variety. It can enhance the rigidity of the film. Powder coatings are applied as solid while going through the baking process the powder stiffens. The new powder is then assessed via a redevelopment system and reused. In wet coating plants, evaporation loses a high level of the paint; a powder coating plant uses up to 98% of the powder.

Advantages of Using Powder Paint:

Good formability means that it forms possibly after the coating process.
The process is highly repeatable.
Powder-coated surfaces are suitable for outdoor use as it has good resistance to corrosion as well as UV.
Abrasions and knocks are withstood far better by powder-coated surfaces than wet surfaces.
Powder coatings have no risk of blistering or running.

Hanging aluminum extrusions being powder painted

Liquid Paint/Wet Coating:

These coatings come in several colors and provide a uniform film thickness. Liquid coatings generally contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs). They are eliminated during the curing or baking process. When the VOCs are gone, the volume solids form a film on the extrusion.

Mechanical Finishes:

Aluminum and aluminum alloys can be buffed, blasted, polished, ground, or sanded. These finishes can refine surface quality or prepare the aluminum for different cosmetic finishes.

Mechanical Finishes Techniques

Grinding:

A procedure used for improving the surface quality of extruded aluminum, this technique leaves behind a fine striation on the grinding direction. The surface finish results here will range from very fine and medium to coarse. Anodizing often follows surfaces that undergo grinding. Grinding before painting processes is useful in additionally enhancing the achievable surface finish.

Polishing:

Specific requests and requirements determine the smoothing of the aluminum surface, the gloss, and the quality of the polish. Polishing will often be followed by bright anodizing to achieve a high gloss finish. A polished character will typically also be anodized.

Tumbling:

Known as barrel polishing and is mainly employed as a deburring action. Surface finishes will vary from matte to gloss, depending on the polishing medium applied to the drum.

Pretreatment:

Applying a pretreatment coat on the surface removes the aluminum cleaned with an alkaline or acidic solution. Following the cleaning, a pretreatment coating is used, enhancing powder or paint adhesion, and providing resistance against corrosion.

Sublimation:

Have you ever seen aluminum extrusions that look like wood? The extrusions go through sublimation using a base coat of powder. After applying a base coat of powder, profiles can go through sublimation. Technicians then place a thin film with a pattern around the shape. The sublimation process directly transfers the wood pattern onto the extrusion. This method is rarely implemented but is becoming more common over time.

Taber Extrusions understands 3aluminumextrusionfinishes and what it takes to deliver high-caliber aluminum extrusion finishes suitable for your needs. We present an assortment of surface finishes and work closely with our customers to attain products that are not only dependable and functional but stunning.

We appreciate your ongoing support of Taber Extrusions. If you have any questions, please visit taberextrusions.com or reach out to one of Taber’s regional sales managers.

Follow Taber Extrusions:

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

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

TWITTER: https://twitter.com/taberextrusions

12 07, 2022

Meet Kie Kie Carter

maria2022-07-12T20:39:01+00:00July 12th, 2022|

Formal title at Taber

Sales & Marketing/ Customer Service Representative

Job duties & responsibilities

My responsibilities are to review the requests for quotes on product(s), to make certain that here at Taber we comprehend and meet our customer needs. Following the initial review, I prepare a quote based on the customers inquiry.

Where did you work prior to Taber; same industry or something totally different?

Prior to working at Taber, I was working with the State with the Mississippi Department of Human Services. The working space environment was similar, but this was totally different from what I do here at Taber. My primary responsibility with MDHS was to provide available resources and services for Mississippians that could sustain families.

When you’re not at work, what would we find you doing?

When I’m not at work, I am spending time with my children. I have (2), a daughter (17) and a son (8). I love to fish for catfish. I love to workout, or go for bike rides. My son keeps me active. My daughter is a movie buff, so when it’s time to wind down, you can find us on the couch binge watching movies, or shopping.

Hometown?

I was born and raised in Saginaw, Mi. I joined the U.S Navy immediately after high school, where my MOS was a cook. I have been stationed in Sigonella, Italy, Okinawa, Japan, and few shore duties. I am not a fan of the snow or the cold, which is why Mississippi has been home for almost 20 years now.

Favorite part about working for Taber so far?

What I enjoy best from working here at Taber, is that no one is a stranger. Everyone that you meet becomes friend, and that friend becomes family.

In my opinion, that is what the backbone of an organization builds on, people that you can trust and depend on to get the job done.

What sets Taber apart from other companies that deliver the exact same things?

Our outstanding teamwork, our customer service, and our ability to provide our customers with exactly what they are looking for.

Taber is growing rapidly. Any advice for those looking to join the Taber team?

For those looking to join the team I would say, come ready and with an open mind to experience the dynamic of what teamwork stands for. When we work together is when we can be effective and efficient to the best of our ability. Every member, department must be able to count on one another in order to get the job done safely and correctly.

More About Taber Extrusions:

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 new state-of-the-art cast house and two additional presses, microextrusion capabilities, and the fabrication area has been expanded multiple times.

Taber continues to extrude billet in a wide range of alloys and sizes 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 cast and extruded products in a variety of soft and hard alloys.

Today, Taber Extrusions has completed the addition of in-house friction stir welding capabilities, and carries on their offering of extruded aluminum components, value-added machining services, and raw material supply to the North American market – making them a vertically integrated supplier of FSW panels and assemblies never before seen in North America.

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.

Become a customer today! Visit us or request a quote: https://taberextrusions.com or call us at (888) 985-5319.

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