7 10, 2024

How Taber Does That: Aluminum Extrusion Innovation and Technology

2024-10-30T20:57:37+00:00October 7th, 2024|

Taber Extrusions logo below the title of the article showcasing aluminum extrusion innovation and technology with stacked aluminum billets in the background.

Aluminum extrusion innovation and technology are driving advancements in industries like aerospace, defense, and infrastructure. Taber Extrusions leads the way, using cutting-edge machinery like the Haas VF12 CNC and friction stir welding to produce high-quality extrusion billets, micro-extrusions, and custom profiles.

With a commitment to sustainability and efficiency, Taber continues to innovate, offering superior aluminum solutions. This blog highlights their technological journey, including the upcoming SMS Press set for 2026.

Timeline of Technological Advancements

Taber Extrusions has achieved significant technological milestones, establishing itself as a leader in the aluminum extrusion industry. Taber’s aluminum extrusion innovation and technology started on its founding in 1973, Taber has consistently pushed the boundaries of innovation, expanding its capabilities with strategic facility acquisitions, advanced machinery, and cutting-edge processes. This timeline highlights key progressions, underscoring Taber’s commitment to excellence and continuous improvement.

1995: Gulfport facility expansion

Taber acquires an extrusion facility in Gulfport, Mississippi, providing easy access to ports and industrial scraps. This facility includes two additional presses and a cast house, increasing their in-house capabilities to cast, extrude, and fabricate products.

Taber Extrusions groundbreaking ceremony favoring “Taber branded” shovels at the Russellville facility.

2014: Additional fabrication capabilities in Russellville

The Russellville facility expands to include comprehensive fabrication capabilities, featuring the B&O B-800 series, Marvel band saws, machining centers, and a Zeiss coordinate measuring machine for precision and quality control. Taber also installs the 8600-ton extrusion press, significantly enhancing their ability to produce extensive, complex aluminum profiles.

2017: Increased billet capacity

Taber adds 7-inch billet molds to their existing 9”, 11”, 16”, and 20” diameter molds, increasing billet capacity by over 30% and enhancing their ability to serve defense, marine, and specialized industries.

Taber Extrusions’ Gulfport casting table had to be engineered to fit the existing circular casting pit.

2018: Ultra-precision extrusions

In 2018, Taber successfully relocated and initiated its micro-extrusion press lines. This expansion significantly broadened their supply options, offering extrusion solutions, programs, and services. Taber’s latest ultra-precision extrusion manufacturing lines accommodate profiles with a circle size of 3 inches or less and a weight per foot of 1 lb. or less.

Unlike traditional extrusion presses, these micro-extrusion presses can create profiles with a remarkable wall thickness of 0.010 inches and tolerances as tight as +/- 0.001 inches. Designers and engineers now have the flexibility to develop previously impossible profiles to extrude using conventional presses.

2019: Friction stir welding (FSW)

Taber integrates friction stir welding technology at their expanded Russellville facility, producing superb welds with minimal distortion. This technique is essential for aerospace, rail, automotive, shipbuilding, transportation, and marine industries.

A large industrial CNC milling machine with grey hues featuring a control panel on the right side.

2021: Haas VF12 CNC machine

The addition of the Haas VF12 CNC machine significantly boosts Taber Extrusions’ precision machining capabilities. This advanced equipment allows for producing complex aluminum parts with stringent specifications, enhancing their ability to meet diverse and demanding project requirements.

The Haas VF12 CNC machine features a large working area and high-speed capabilities, making it ideal for machining intricate components with exceptional accuracy and efficiency. This investment underscores Taber’s commitment to providing cutting-edge solutions and maintaining the highest quality standards in their manufacturing processes.

Upcoming SMS press installation

Taber Extrusions plans to commission North America’s largest direct press in 2026 — a 1100-ton press equipped with a 16-inch container. Designed specifically for the aerospace industry, this state-of-the-art installation promises advanced heat solutions and the ability to handle hard and soft alloys. Safety features, precise alignment mechanisms, and stringent quality controls ensure superior performance. As Taber continues to shape the future of aluminum extrusion, this investment underscores their commitment to innovation and excellence.

The 10,000 UST front load direct press incorporates reliability enhancements such as an IAS induction heater for billet taper and a comprehensive Log Wash System. Vertical log storage increases capacity, while the TERS System optimizes energy efficiency, saving 6-8% in consumption. Downstream enhancements include a high-performance multi-spray zone system, quench and cooling simulation, and in-line solution heat treatment meeting rigorous specifications. Taber Extrusions is an industry leader ready to deliver world-class products and services to clients through adjustable racks and an AGV system.

Technologies and Innovations

Aluminum billets at Taber Extrusions’ Gulfport, Mississippi facility - showcasing their “made in America” in-house aluminum billet capabilities.Taber’s aluminum cast house ensures premium extrusion billet production, while their diverse alloy offerings (1xxx-7xxx series) cater to industries like aerospace, defense, and infrastructure. Advanced machinery like the Haas VF12 CNC and friction stir welding (FSW) technology enhance precision and reliability. The upcoming SMS Press in 2026 will further advance large and complex profile production.

Taber’s environmental initiatives reduce energy consumption and costs, backed by ISO 9001:2015 and Nadcap certifications.

Industry Impact

Taber’s advanced technologies, such as the SMS Press and friction stir welding, support the production of critical components for aerospace, defense, and infrastructure. Their high-quality aluminum alloys ensure reliability and performance in aerospace applications, while their robust, durable solutions are essential for military projects. In infrastructure, Taber’s maintenance-free aluminum profiles enhance the longevity and sustainability of construction and architectural projects.

Beyond these sectors, Taber has evolved into a multifaceted aluminum extrusion company, serving industries like automotive, marine, and sporting goods. Their comprehensive services include custom extrusion, fabrication, heat treatment, and quality assurance, meeting a wide range of client needs.

Partner with Taber Extrusions

Transform your business by partnering with Taber Extrusions, the industry leader in aluminum extrusion innovation and technology. Taber positions itself to deliver reliable, high-quality aluminum extrusion solutions tailored to your needs, leveraging their comprehensive approach and state-of-the-art capabilities. Elevate your projects with precision-engineered profiles, sustainable practices, and unmatched expertise.

About Taber Extrusions

Taber Extrusions, located in Russellville, AR, and Gulfport, MS, is highly regarded as a provider of aluminum extrusions to various industries. Their commitment to excellence is evident through advanced processes and state-of-the-art machinery. Beyond military applications, Taber serves markets such as aerospace, automotive, marine, infrastructure, and sporting goods. With ISO 9001 and AS 9100 certifications ensuring quality, Taber is a reliable partner for customers seeking extruded aluminum components and value-added machining services in North America.

Contact Taber Extrusions today and experience the difference of working with a trusted partner committed to excellence and innovation in every aspect of aluminum extrusion.

28 02, 2024

Aluminum Casting Services for Aerospace, Marine, and Custom Chemistries for Specialized Industries

2024-02-28T16:18:21+00:00February 28th, 2024|

The most noticeable object in the photo is a massive yellow crane with the name “TABER” on it. The crane is lifting 3 lengthy metallic pipes that measure approximately two feet in diameter. Straps securely attach the pipes to the crane. Other industrial equipment and machinery fill the background of the image. The photo diffuses the lighting, creating a soft glow. At the same time, muted colors add to the overall industrial feel of the scene.

In order to fully grasp the importance of Taber’s aluminum casting services, you must first understand the importance of aluminum billets.

Aluminum billets are the unsung heroes of the industrial world. These unassuming cylinders of aluminum, typically 10-12 feet long and 7-20 inches in diameter, are the raw material from which countless objects are born. From sleek aircraft fuselages to the humble soda can, aluminum billets form the foundation for many products that touch our lives every day.

To begin the journey of an aluminum billet, workers extract bauxite ore and refine it into alumina. During smelting, the process uses a powerful electric current to separate the aluminum metal from the oxygen in alumina. Molds are filled with molten aluminum to create billets, which are then cooled, solidified, and subjected to further processing.

These versatile billets are extruded, rolled, forged, or machined into many shapes and sizes. Manufacturers can transform them into intricate components for airplanes, automobiles, and electronics or use them to create building materials, kitchenware, and sporting goods. The possibilities are truly endless.

So, the next time you hold an aluminum can or admire the gleaming surface of an airplane, take a moment to appreciate the humble aluminum billet that started it all. These unsung heroes of industry are a testament to human ingenuity and the transformative power of raw materials.

Two workers in full safety gear at Taber Extrusions’ brightly lit aluminum cast house in Gulfport, MS.

From Billets to Innovation: Cast Houses as the Crucible of Progress

Aluminum billets, those unassuming cylindrical metal blocks, are the lifeblood of countless industries. Before reaching their final form, they undergo a crucial transformation within the fiery heart of a cast house. These specialized facilities, with their towering furnaces and molten metal, act as the crucible where innovation takes shape.

Within the cast house, billets are heated to extreme temperatures, transforming them from solid to liquid. This molten state allows for precise manipulation and shaping, producing new and innovative products. Advanced casting techniques, such as low-pressure and vacuum, produce high-quality billets with superior strength and consistency.

These improved billets, in turn, fuel the fires of innovation in various industries. Automotive manufacturers utilize them to create lighter and more fuel-efficient vehicles. Aerospace engineers rely on them to construct more robust and more durable aircraft. Even the electronics industry depends on high-quality aluminum billets for producing smartphones, computers, and other devices.

But the role of cast houses extends far beyond mere production. They are also hubs of research and development, where engineers and scientists collaborate to refine existing processes and invent new technologies. From exploring recycled materials to developing advanced casting techniques, cast houses constantly push the boundaries of what’s possible.

Aluminum billets are not just raw materials but the seeds of innovation. Nurtured by the heat and expertise of cast houses, these seeds grow into the products that shape our lives. As technology evolves and industries strive for ever-greater efficiency and performance, the humble aluminum billet and the cast houses that transform them will remain at the forefront of progress.

Aluminum Casting Services: Fueling Innovation Across Industries

Aluminum billet casting is a crucial process that shapes diverse and vital components for various industries. From high-performance aerospace to rugged marine applications and even specialized custom chemistries, aluminum castings are pivotal in driving innovation and progress.

1. Aluminum Casting Services for Aerospace

The aerospace industry demands ultimate strength, lightness, and reliability, and aluminum castings rise to the challenge. Please note that aircraft components utilize them in a multitude of ways.

  • Airframes:

    The primary structure of an aircraft needs to have a high strength-to-weight ratio and excellent fatigue resistance.

  • Wings:

    responsible for lift generation, demanding a lightweight and robust design

  • Landing gear:

    absorbing impact and supporting the aircraft’s weight, necessitating exceptional strength and durability

  • Engine components:

    operating in extreme environments, requiring heat resistance and superior mechanical properties

2. Aluminum Casting for Marine

In the harsh marine environment, aluminum castings offer unmatched resistance to corrosion and fatigue, ensuring the longevity and performance of various components:

  • Hulls and superstructures:

    providing structural integrity and resisting the corrosive effects of saltwater

  • Propellers and shafts:

    wproviding structural integrity and resisting the corrosive effects of saltwater

  • Deck fittings and hardware:

    withstanding constant exposure to saltwater and harsh weather conditions

  • Lifeboats and davits:

    ensuring safety and functionality in emergencies

3. Aluminum Custom Chemistries

Beyond aerospace, firearms, and marine applications, aluminum casting shines in its ability to fulfill specific needs through customized chemistries:

  • Medical devices:

    requiring biocompatible alloys for implants and surgical instruments

  • Electronics:

    demanding high conductivity and thermal management properties

  • Automotive components:

    lightweight and robust parts for fuel efficiency and performance

  • Renewable energy technology:

    tailored solutions for solar panels, wind turbine blades, and other features

Aluminum casting, with its unmatched versatility, strength-to-weight ratio, and sustainability benefits, is poised to continue shaping the future of various industries. As technology advances and new applications emerge, aluminum’s unique properties will ensure its continued dominance as a material of choice for innovative solutions.

Taber Extrusions: where innovation and aluminum meet

Transform Your Business with Taber’s In-House Aluminum Casting Solutions

Taber Extrusions offers in-house aluminum casting solutions, which include manufacturing aluminum billets for specialized industries such as aerospace and marine. Their upgraded, state-of-the-art aluminum cast house, combined with experienced metallurgists and research engineers, enables them to produce high-quality aluminum billets. They offer a full range of aluminum alloys, including custom chemistries to meet their clients’ specific requirements.

Experience Unmatched Purity and Renewability with Taber’s Aluminum Refining Process

Taber utilizes Almex’s liquid aluminum refining system (LARS) to refine and purify the aluminum before casting. This process eliminates impurities such as dissolved hydrogen gas, nitrides, oxides, and alkali metals in a controlled and environmentally friendly manner. Additionally, Taber is committed to renewability and uses 75% commercial and extrusion manufacturing scrap to highlight this dedication further.

From Testing Capabilities to Quick Facts: The Fascinating World of Taber Extrusions

Taber Extrusions offers a comprehensive suite of testing capabilities to ensure the highest quality and consistency in their products. Key capabilities include:

  • On-site alloy verification and certification:

    This ensures that the chemical composition of Taber’s aluminum alloys meet the exact specifications required by their customers.

  • Ultrasonic testing:

    This non-destructive testing method uses sound waves to detect internal defects in the aluminum castings, ensuring they are free of flaws that could compromise their performance.

The infographic features a beautiful gradient background in shades of gold and brown. At the top is crisp white text that reads “CAST HOUSE CAPABILITIES.” Directly below the text, six shapes of varying sizes, with a sleek silver gradient, are arranged in a row horizontally. Beneath the shapes, text reads “Our casting capabilities and cast house information:" followed by a list in white text outlines the impressive capabilities of the cast house, including the latest technology to ensure internal quality, entirely designed and recipe-controlled DC casting, complete alloy family casting capabilities, a homogenization center for controlled heat treatment, and an on-site laboratory for metallurgical testing and ultrasonic lab house metallurgical analysis.

Quick Facts:

  • Recycled content makeup:

    Taber Extrusions is committed to sustainability and uses significant recycled content in its aluminum products. Their billets typically contain 25-30% prime aluminum and 70-75% scrap (a combination of commercial and extrusion manufacturing scrap).

  • Environmental benefits of recycling aluminum:

    Recycling aluminum is an effective way to conserve energy. It helps save up to 95% of the energy required to refine new aluminum. This makes aluminum production more sustainable by reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

  • CO2 emissions reduction:

    Recycling 1 ton of aluminum spares the planet from 9 tons of CO2 emissions. This translates to significant environmental benefits and helps to combat climate change.

  • Aluminum’s recyclability:

    Aluminum is one of the most recyclable materials on Earth. Roughly 74% of all aluminum produced is still in use today due to its excellent recyclability. This makes it a valuable resource for future generations.

Taber’s Aluminum Casting Revolution: Innovation Forging the Future Tabers

The American aluminum extrusion company Taber Extrusions invested in upgrading its aluminum casting capabilities. Taber’s improved cast house is a testament to their dedication to achieving the broadest capabilities in the aluminum extrusion industry. Taber prefers to keep everything under one roof, from casting to extrusion, machining, and beyond — casting ingots using prime and recycled aluminum to meet the required quality and chemistry specifications.

Unlock The Potential of Your Project: Why Choose Taber?

Taber Extrusions is a full-service partner that delivers high-quality products and services. They are dedicated to meeting and surpassing customer expectations, providing the best possible service. Since 1973, Taber Extrusions has been manufacturing solid profiles as wide as 31 inches and hollows up to 29 inches. In 1995, they expanded with the purchase of an extrusion facility in Gulfport, MS. Today, Taber Extrusions also launched expanded capabilities to include micro-extrusions and 7” billet molds, and shortly thereafter, added a new Hass VF-12 CNC vertical machining center.

Certifications

  • ISO 9001:2008 (technically equivalent to EN9100:2009 and JISQ 9100:2009)
  • AS 9100C
  • ABS QUALITY ASSURANCE Program certificate no. 11-MMPQA-652. ABS Mill has approval to produce extruded aluminum alloy products for marine applications 5083H111, 5086H111, 5454H111, 5456H111, 6061T6, and 6082T6. Maximum diameter: 1.0-inch casting process included.

If you want to learn more about the U.S. aluminum extrusion process and how it can fuel innovation in your industry, consider working with a trusted partner like Taber Extrusions. With decades of experience and a commitment to quality and innovation, Taber Extrusions offers various extrusion capabilities and value-added services to help you bring your ideas to life. If you want to elevate your products to the next level, contact the best aluminum extruder today to explore how they can assist you in leveraging the benefits of aluminum extrusions.

About Taber Extrusions: 

Taber Extrusions is a well-known aluminum extrusion manufacturer serving various industries, including aerospace, infrastructure, transportation, defense, and thermal management. With facilities in Russellville, AR, and Gulfport, MS, Taber Extrusions has provided an extensive range of aluminum extrusions since its inception in 1973. The company’s dedication to delivering exceptional goods and services can be observed by its possession of plate number 1 and AS 9100 certifications.

Taber Extrusions has earned its reputation for working closely with customers to problem-solve through innovation and collaboration. With over four decades of experience, Taber has the broadest capabilities in the aluminum extrusion industry, setting a benchmark for others.

If you have any queries, please visit https://www.taberextrusions.com or call Taber Extrusions at 1-888-984-3795.

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