BABA Archives - Taber Extrusions

6 11, 2024

How Taber Does That: Real-World Aluminum Applications That Protect a Nation

jane2024-11-06T14:21:35+00:00November 6th, 2024|

How does the U.S. military stay ahead in global defense? It’s not just through advanced strategies and technology, but also the materials that support its infrastructure. Aluminum applications, particularly specialized alloys, play a critical role in defense, aerospace, and satellite construction. Offering a unique mix of strength, durability, and lightweight properties. The right alloy can be the difference between mission success and failure, whether on the battlefield, in the skies, or beyond Earth’s atmosphere.

Aluminum applications have evolved, now supporting everything from portable landing fields to satellite components. The defense and aerospace sectors need materials that withstand extreme conditions while maintaining their adaptability and lightness. Engineers rely on specialized aluminum alloys to meet these demands, ensuring robust and reliable systems.

The Role of Aluminum in Modern Applications

Aluminum in defense

Aluminum’s prominence in defense applications stems from its exceptional strength-to-weight ratio. It maintains high strength while remaining lightweight, a necessity for ground and aerospace military operations. 7000 and 2000 series aluminum alloys are widely used to create high-strength, lightweight armor and military vehicles. These alloys are tough and resistant to cracking, making them perfect for armored vehicles and portable military infrastructure.

Aluminum in aerospace

In aerospace, aluminum alloys are the pillar of modern aircraft construction. Its strength and lightweight properties are vital in constructing modern aircraft, from commercial airliners to advanced fighter jets. The 7000 series, in particular, is prized for its high strength and resistance to fatigue, ensuring that aircraft can endure the stresses of flight over extended periods.

Additionally, aluminum is also essential for aerospace structures that demand both strength and corrosion resistance. Critical components like wing spars, fuselage frames, and landing gear rely on these alloys for safety and longevity. Additionally, aluminum’s lightweight nature enhances fuel efficiency, making it indispensable in an industry where every kilogram saved improves both cost and performance.

Aluminum in satellites

Beyond Earth’s atmosphere, aluminum applications are key in satellite construction. Aluminum satellite components require high strength and resilience against the vacuum of space and extreme temperature changes. Durability and reliability are critical, as repair or replacement is impossible once in orbit. Advanced techniques like friction stir welding (FSW) enhance the mechanical properties of aluminum, ensuring that satellite components perform flawlessly in space.

Large satellite dish under a starry night sky, with surrounding treetops in the foreground.

As demand for satellites grows — whether for global communication, Earth observation, or space exploration — the need for lightweight, reliable materials like aluminum alloys becomes more apparent. Due to its versatility, various satellite components use aluminum, from the structural framework to the shielding that protects sensitive electronics from cosmic radiation.

Taber Extrusions: A Leader in Aluminum Applications Across Industries

Upcoming Upgrade: A New Era of Manufacturing Excellence

Taber Extrusions is set to revolutionize its production with the installation of a state-of-the-art press line, reaffirming its commitment to innovation and quality. This upgrade, detailed in their recent press release, represents a major leap forward in their manufacturing capabilities. The new press line enhances Taber’s ability to meet the complex demands of the defense, aerospace, and satellite sectors.

With this advanced press line, Taber can efficiently produce high-strength lightweight armor and critical components for military vehicles, aerospace structures, and satellite systems. The design of the press line enables it to handle a wide range of hard alloys, including the 7000 series and 2000 series, ensuring Taber continues to offer materials meeting stringent requirements for modern applications. This investment firmly positions Taber as a leader in advanced aluminum solutions, vital to the nation’s infrastructure and defense systems.

Friction Stir Welding and Beyond

Taber’s friction stir welding (FSW) capabilities are particularly noteworthy across all sectors. FSW enhances the mechanical properties of 7000 series and 2000 series aluminum alloys. A feature that makes them perfect for durable, long-lasting components in defense, aerospace, and satellite industries. The opening of a new FSW facility in Arkansas further underscores Taber’s commitment to providing cutting-edge solutions for these critical applications.

In aerospace, Taber’s expertise in producing aluminum alloy for satellites ensures that components can endure the harsh conditions of space. Their focus on delivering BABA-certified (Build America, Buy America) aluminum extrusions reinforces their commitment to sourcing and manufacturing within the United States.

Taber Extrusions: Delivering High-Strength, Lightweight Aluminum Applications for Defense, Aerospace, and Satellite Industries

In industries where precision, durability, and reliability are non-negotiable, Taber Extrusions has established itself as a cornerstone supplier across the U.S. defense, aerospace, and satellite sectors. By providing high-strength, lightweight aluminum solutions tailored to the rigorous demands of these applications, Taber supports the ongoing efforts to innovate, protect, and advance both on Earth and beyond.

About Taber

Taber Extrusions specializes in producing architectural aluminum products in unique shapes and sizes for a wide range of industries, including aerospace, automotive, marine, and infrastructure.

Since its founding in 1973, Taber has expanded from its military roots to become a leader in the aluminum extrusion industry. With advanced tools and capabilities, Taber offers custom solutions such as precise micro-extrusions, friction stir welding (FSW) services, and a variety of aluminum alloy options. Their CNC machining line enables the creation of custom aluminum components for various industries, while their value-added machining services and raw material supply serve customers across North America.

Explore the full range of aluminum applications and solutions from Taber Extrusions and see how they can elevate your next defense, aerospace, or satellite project. Visit Taber Extrusions’ website to learn more about their innovative materials and manufacturing processes that are shaping the future.

For more information, you can also call Taber at 1-888-984-3795.

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28 01, 2024

A Year in Review: Best Aluminum Extrusion Blogs by Taber Extrusions

maria2024-02-28T16:21:36+00:00January 28th, 2024|

Taber Extrusions goes beyond being a premiere aluminum extruder; but serves as a comprehensive resource, offering valuable insights and practical solutions to common industry challenges through providing the best aluminum extrusion blogs possible. Covering everything from news and trends to tips for enhancing extrusion capabilities, Taber ensures that you stay well-informed.

Here’s some of our favorite aluminum extrusion blogs of 2023:

1. Large Aluminum Extrusion Design

Are you ready to go BIG? This blog talks about how Taber elevates aluminum extrusion capabilities to new heights. With an exclusive rectangular container, they lead the industry in producing some of the widest and most complex multi-void hollows. Their large press capability, exemplified by the 8600-ton press, ensures the transformation of big dreams into reality. Explore the advantages of partnering with Taber, from reduced assembly time to streamlined design possibilities. Go BIG with Taber— where innovation meets excellence.

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

A portrait slide containing Tabers’ seven types of alloys and their descriptions.

2. Which Aluminum Alloys are Best for Welding?

Welding joins two or more metal pieces, creating a permanent and robust bond. Various welding techniques, including GTAW, GMAW, FSW, and laser welding, can be used for welding aluminum metals. However, welding aluminum can be challenging because of the oxide layer on its surface and its high thermal conductivity. The aluminum must be appropriately cleaned and decreased beforehand for a successful welding. Furthermore, you should use the appropriate welding technique and filler material.

If you’re curious about welding aluminum and want to know more about the different techniques and materials, you should check out this helpful blog post. It’s written in an easy-to-understand manner that’s perfect for anyone who interested in learning about welding, aluminum alloys, and metals joining.

3. Aluminum Extrusions for Military & Defense

Aluminum extrusions offer a lightweight yet sturdy framework, enabling easy customization into diverse shapes. In this blog by Taber, the focus is on the extensive application of aluminum extrusion in the aerospace industry, where it plays a pivotal role in reducing the weight of aircraft, enhancing fuel efficiency, and ensuring structural strength. Armored vehicles similarly leverage aluminum extrusions to fashion lightweight armor capable of withstanding gunfire, explosions, and fire.

: A collage of five applications of aluminum extrusions in the military and defense sector.

This article also underscores Taber’s steadfast commitment and continuous supply of aluminum extrusions to the military and defense sectors.

Read the full blog here.

4. BABA-Certified: Aluminum Extrusions Manufacturer Sourced in the USA

The Build America, Buy America (BABA) Act is a set of rules that requires the government to buy things made in the USA for government-funded projects. Taber Extrusions is a company that proudly manufactures aluminum parts to supply America’s military and defense sectors – committed to sourcing all parts in the USA responsibly and with top quality in mind. Aluminum is a versatile metal that offers benefits such as resistance to rust, good strength-to-weight ratio, and malleability for shaping. Taber offers many kinds of traditional aluminum extrusions and related processes, such as aluminum casting, fabrication, friction stir welding, and precision extruding.

5. Aluminum Extrusions: Material Comparisons

This blog post centers on the revolutionary impact of aluminum extrusions in modern construction, emphasizing Taber’s ability to intricately shape structures with precision. It underscores how aluminum outperforms alternative materials like wood, plastic, steel, and other metals. The article further highlights the diverse variations in aluminum materials, showcasing aluminum is a wise choice across various applications in the extrusion process.

If you’d like to explore more of Taber Extrusion’s aluminum extrusion blogs, visit taberextrusions.com and follow them on social media so you can receive new blog alerts!

Follow Taber Extrusions:

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

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

TWITTER: https://twitter.com/taberextrusions/

More about Taber Extrusions

Taber specializes in creating aluminum products in unique shapes and sizes to various industries such as aerospace, automotive, marine, infrastructure, and sporting goods.

Founded in 1973, Taber Extrusions has expanded its markets beyond the military and has become a leader in the industry. Working with various tools and capabilities to create custom solutions for their customers, Taber features micro-extrusions in precise shapes and sizes, friction stir welding services, and offers a wide array of aluminum alloy options. Taber also has a CNC machining line that allows them to create custom aluminum components serving a diverse range of industries. Taber offers value-added machining services and can provide raw materials to customers throughout North America.

Interested in becoming a part of the Taber team? Submit your resume to careers@taberextrusions.com. You can also visit taberextrusions.com or call Taber Extrusions directly at: 1-888-984-3795.

15 06, 2023

BABA-Certified: Aluminum Extrusions Manufacturer Sourced in the USA

maria2023-06-28T20:38:06+00:00June 15th, 2023|

A Look at the “Build America, Buy America” Approach

The Build America, Buy America policy, also know as BABA-certified, is a framework that encourages the use of domestically produced goods and services in federal procurement and construction projects throughout the U.S. It has been in place for many decades, with various iterations and implementations over time, and has been applied to different types of federal projects, including defense procurement and infrastructure spending, since the early 20th century. All of this lead to and supported the aluminum extrusions manufacturer sourced in the USA.

Under the Build America, Buy America Act, federal agencies are required to prioritize the purchase of American-made products and materials for federally funded projects such as the construction of highways, bridges, and other infrastructure, purchase of military equipment and supplies, and procurement of goods and services for federal agencies as a way to support American businesses and workers, promote economic growth, and ensure that federal tax dollars are used to support the domestic economy.

As one of the leading American manufacturers of aluminum products and one of (if not the top) aluminum extrusion companies sourced by other industries in the U.S., Taber Extrusions has been instrumental in the building of American infrastructure throughout the years. With its commitment to the principles of the Recovery Act, Build America, Buy America (BABA), and International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) compliance, Taber has played a vital role in ensuring that American infrastructure projects are built with domestically sourced and responsibly produced materials, while also contributing to the country’s economy and national security.

Recovery Act and American Infrastructure

The Recovery Act, also known as the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, was a federal law designed to create jobs and stimulate economic growth in the aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis.

One of the key provisions of the Act was the investment of around $80 billion in clean energy and infrastructure projects, which included funding for energy-efficient building upgrades, renewable energy projects, and transportation infrastructure. These investments created opportunities for aluminum extrusion manufacturer to supply lightweight, durable, and energy-efficient components for a variety of applications, such as solar panel frames, wind turbine components, and lightweight vehicle parts.

The rise in demand for aluminum extrusion products used in building construction, transportation, and other applications, helped create jobs, and stimulate economic growth in the aluminum extrusion industry and related sectors across the United States.

Taber’s various capabilities and world-class customer service were instrumental in a wide range of these infrastructure projects, including bridges, road signs, window and door frames, and more (see below).

Examples Where BABA-certified can be found

Bridge Decking

Aluminum extrusions are used in the construction of bridge decking, providing a lightweight and durable alternative to traditional materials. Aluminum bridge decking is resistant to corrosion and requires less maintenance than other materials, making it a cost-effective choice for bridge construction.

Road Signs

An essential part of the American transportation system, road signs provide important information to drivers and help to ensure safety on the roads. Aluminum extrusions have been used in the production of road signs, providing a lightweight and durable material that is resistant to weather and wear.

Window & Door Frames

Aluminum extrusions have been used in the production of window and door frames, providing a lightweight and durable material that is resistant to corrosion and requires less maintenance than other materials. Aluminum frames also offer excellent thermal performance, helping to improve the energy efficiency of buildings.

Automotive Industry

Aluminum is an increasingly popular material in the automotive industry, as it offers weight savings and improved fuel efficiency. Aluminum extrusions have been used in various automotive applications, including chassis components, body panels, and heat exchangers.

Aerospace Industry

The aerospace industry demands high-performance materials that can withstand extreme conditions and provide exceptional strength and durability. Aluminum extrusions have been used in various aerospace applications, including wing and fuselage components, fuel tanks, and landing gear.

U.S. Military

The U.S. military relies on high-quality materials to ensure the safety and effectiveness of its operations. Aluminum extrusions have been used in various military applications, including aircraft and vehicle components, weapons systems, and communications equipment.

Artistically framed in 5 segments are an airplane soaring in the sky, a NASA space shuttle during launch, a tall glass building with aluminum material as its framework, a black luxury car with aluminum mag wheels, and a robust tank wheel marching forward.

Taber Extrusions has built a reputation for excellence by providing superior products and services to a diverse range of industries. The company’s commitment to quality, reliability, and innovation has helped it become a leading provider of extruded aluminum products.

We fully embraced the “Build America, Buy America” approach and made it a cornerstone of our business practices. We source all our materials from within the United States and we’ve successfully built a reputation for providing high-quality, domestically sourced aluminum products.

Equipped with state-of-the-art technology and backed by years of extensive research, we’ve created our own aluminum cast house — confident and ready to supply the rest of the U.S. aluminum manufacturing industry with ITAR and BABA-compliant aluminum billets, even during times of uncertainty brought about by the ever-changing economic and geopolitical landscape.

The Statue of Liberty is elegantly framed in the upper left corner, with a friction-stir welding machine, two different views of the aluminum production line, and a stack of aluminum billets ready for production shown in the center. At the top in a white font it reads, “The shape of endless possibilities Taber Extrusions.”

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 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. All of this to say, Taber has become the american extrusion manufacturer sourced in the USA.

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.

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.

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.

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.