The Gift of Aluminum Extrusion: How Extrusion Technology Shapes Our World
Technology is commonly defined as the application of scientific knowledge to the practical aims of human life, or, as it is sometimes phrased, the change and manipulation of the human environment. Aluminum extrusion technology is one such innovation that continues to change the world for the better. Before we bring light to this time-honored approach to aluminum processing, we should first know where it all began.
The Beginnings of Aluminum Extrusion
Before 1825, the complexities of refining aluminum from ore made aluminum a rare and precious metal that was more valuable than silver and gold. Thanks to a successful smelting process invented by Charles Martin Hall and Paul Heroult, aluminum paved its way into the commercial sector. The invention of smelting gave rise to better technology that could fully take advantage of the unique attributes of aluminum. In 1894, Alexander Dick achieved just that when he developed the hot extrusion process. This process allowed non-ferrous alloys to be extruded, and the first aluminum extrusion press was in production by 1904. Over the years, with modern technology, extrusions can now be more precise and accurate.
Aluminum Properties Made Simple
In essence, aluminum extrusion technology can be compared to popular child’s modeling clay. Playdough can be smashed, folded, and molded into any shape. The material can also be squeezed through an extrusion-type machine passing through various-sized and shaped holes (just like die casts!) to become an entirely different shape destined for a brand-new use. The possibilities are only limited to one’s imagination. A young scientist at work…
In the world of aluminum extrusion technology, the process of forming aluminum begins with a raw aluminum. While this metal is the most abundant on Earth, it rarely comes in its pure form. Alumina is made from bauxite. After that, the material must undergo smelting and an alloying process involving many alloying elements such as copper, magnesium, silicon, and manganese. Finally, the aluminum is ready for the extrusion process. An aluminum billet is preheated then forcibly compressed through a smaller opening. Besides the aluminum alloy combination, many factors determine the quality and properties of the final product, such as the billet length, the billet heat, aluminum profiles, and the extrusion speed. Despite varying results, a freshly made aluminum extrusion is hardly ever used in a real-world commercial application. Most aluminum extrusion products adhere to specifications which meet the needs of each industry.
Among the many reasons of how aluminum extrusions shape our world, aside from being incredibly strong, aluminum weighs only a third of other common commercial metals like iron, steel, and copper. This makes aluminum more economical in applications where fuel economy is an important factor such as in the transportation sector. Additionally, this metal is exceptionally resilient, allowing it to bend and spring back after substantial impacts, making it a top choice for automotive crash management systems.
Remember that playdough analogy? Well, aluminum’s malleability makes this metal easy to work with throughout the design and extrusion process. An aluminum extrusion can be tailored to meet all possible needs in terms of function and aesthetics.
Aluminum Extrusions and Energy
Aluminum extrusions also play a role in energy generation. Compared to other metals, aluminum has high electrical conductivity, making it preferential for energy distribution. Aluminum is also essential in structural and racking solutions for systems that collect solar power when generating green energy. Aluminum, and by extension, aluminum extrusions, is one of the most sustainable metals out there. The icing on the cake? Aluminum is infinitely recyclable without losing any of its above properties.
The aluminum industry has had to evolve to accommodate the growing needs of various industries that utilize aluminum extrusions. Within the United States’ aluminum industry, Taber Extrusions is a leader in quality products and customer satisfaction, firmly believing in collaborative work with customers to find unique solutions to queries that our ever-changing world presents. Taber’s extensive aluminum extrusion capabilities allow the creation of all kinds of designs for a variety of industries.
ABOUT TABER EXTRUSIONS
Taber Extrusions, located in Russellville, AR and Gulfport, MS, is highly regarded as a 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. The most recent expansion was the addition of the new Haas VF-12 CNC machining line. 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 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.
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