31 08, 2023

Which Aluminum Alloys are Best for Welding?

2023-08-31T20:18:45+00:00August 31st, 2023|

Taber gold inverted triangle logo is below the blog’s title in bold white face font with square aluminum hollow tubes stacked on top of each other in the background.

When it comes to welding, aluminum might not be the first material that comes to mind. However, this versatile metal can be welded with the right approach. Due to its lower melting point and higher thermal conductivity, welding aluminum requires a different technique than welding steel. If you’re planning a welding project with aluminum, choosing the right material is crucial for achieving successful results. So, how do you choose the best aluminum alloy for welding? Look no further, Taber Extrusions, has you covered!

To get a better understanding of which aluminum alloys are best for welding, let’s first define objectives and whether it’s necessary that the material is alloyed for the welding process.

 

Aluminum vs. Aluminum Alloy

 Both pure aluminum and aluminum alloys can be welded using a variety of welding techniques such as tungsten inert gas (TIG) welding and metal inert gas (MIG) welding. However, it is important to note that welding pure aluminum can be more challenging than welding aluminum alloys due to its lower melting point, and higher thermal conductivity — which can lead to warping, distortion, and burn-through during the welding process.

Unlike pure aluminum, aluminum alloys are materials made by combining aluminum with one or more other elements to improve its mechanical, physical, and chemical properties. Some common alloying elements include copper, magnesium, silicon, zinc, and manganese. Aluminum itself has good properties such as high strength-to-weight ratio, corrosion resistance, and conductivity — but by alloying it with other elements — its properties can be further enhanced or customized to suit specific applications.

 

Weldability of Aluminum Alloys

Aluminum alloys are generally considered to be weldable, but the weldability can vary depending on the specific alloy and its composition. Some aluminum alloys are easier to weld than others due to their specific properties.

Here are some general factors that affect the weldability of aluminum alloys:

Alloy composition

  • Different alloying elements can significantly impact the weldability of aluminum alloys. For example, alloys with high levels of magnesium or zinc can be more difficult to weld due to their tendency to form brittle intermetallic phases during welding.

Thickness

  • The thickness of the material being welded can affect the heat input required to produce a successful weld. Thicker materials require more heat input, which can make it more challenging to maintain a consistent welding temperature and can increase the risk of distortion and cracking.

Surface preparation

  • Proper surface preparation is critical for achieving a successful weld. Aluminum alloys should be cleaned and degreased before welding to remove any contaminants that could lead to porosity or other defects in the weld.

Welding technique

  • Welding technique can also impact the weldability of aluminum alloys. Tungsten inert gas (TIG) welding is generally considered the most suitable method for welding aluminum, but metal inert gas (MIG) welding can also be used.
Infographic showing the different types of aluminum alloys classified as numbered series with similar properties.

How Aluminum is Joined Through the Welding Process

There are several ways of joining aluminum, depending on the specific application and requirements of the joint. Some common methods of joining aluminum are adhesive bonding, mechanical fastening, and welding.

Adhesive bonding

  • This process involves using a specialized adhesive to join two or more pieces of metal together. Adhesive bonding can provide a strong and durable joint, but it requires careful surface preparation and may not be suitable for high-stress applications.

 Mechanical fastening

  • Mechanical fasteners such as bolts, screws, and rivets are used to hold two or more pieces of material together. Mechanical fastening is a simple and cost-effective way of joining aluminum, but it may not be suitable for applications that require airtight or watertight joints.

Welding

  • Welding is the process of melting and fusing two or more pieces of metal together to form a permanent joint. There are several welding processes used for aluminum alloys, including GTAW (gas tungsten arc welding), GMAW (gas metal arc welding), FSW (friction-stir welding), and laser welding.
On the left is a person welding metal material and on the right is a robotic arm welding aluminum.

Welding Methods

  • Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW/TIG)

    is a popular welding method for aluminum alloys. This method uses a tungsten electrode to create an arc that melts the base metal, and a filler metal is added to create the joint. GTAW offers excellent control over the heat input, making it suitable for welding thin aluminum sections.

  • Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW/MIG)

    is another popular welding method for aluminum alloys. This method uses a consumable wire electrode that is fed through a welding gun. The wire melts to form the weld, and shielding gas is used to protect the weld from contamination. GMAW is a faster welding method than GTAW, but it may not provide the same level of control over the heat input.

Taber Extrusions friction stir welding line in Russellvile, Arkansas and the words, “FRICTION STIR WELDING: WE’RE READY FOR BUSINESS” and Taber’s official inverted gold triangle logo.

 

  • Friction-Stir Welding (FSW)

    is a solid-state welding method that uses a rotating tool to generate friction and heat, which softens the base material and allows for the creation of a weld. FSW can create strong, defect-free welds in aluminum alloys with minimal distortion.

  • Laser Welding

    is a high-precision welding method that uses a focused laser beam to melt the base material and create a weld. Laser welding can be used for welding thin aluminum sections with excellent precision, but it may not be suitable for thicker sections.

In conclusion, selecting the best aluminum and/or aluminum alloy for welding requires careful consideration of its properties and intended application. Today, aluminum alloys are widely used in a variety of industries and applications, including aerospace, automotive, construction, packaging, and consumer goods. They are often preferred over other materials because of their lightweight, durability, and versatility.

Leading aluminum extrusion manufacturer, Taber, offers expert capabilities – including advanced friction stir welding services – and employs a wide range of materials to help turn your vision into reality. Proud to be BABA Certified Compliant, Taber’s team of professionals will guide customers on the most fitting materials and manufacturing techniques for your builds and projects.

About Taber Extrusions

An American flag is tastefully laid down on a white background at the far right — with a bold red stamp in the lower center saying “approved,” on the upper left corner is the Taber Extrusions’ company logo, and just below it is the title of the article, “BABA Certified: Aluminum Extrusions Manufacturer Sourced in the USA” written in a black bold font.

Taber Extrusions is a leading US-based aluminum extrusion manufacturer, is based out of Russellville, AR and Gulfport, MS. The company caters to various industries such as aerospace, infrastructure, transportation, defense, and thermal management, providing an extensive range of aluminum extrusions. Their ISO 9001 and AS 9100 certifications testify to their commitment to providing superior quality products and services to their existing and prospective customers.

Since their inception in 1973, Taber has worked to earn a reputation for working closely with customers to problem-solve through innovation and collaboration. Taber has established notoriety for the highest levels of quality and responsiveness over four decades, and proudly holds the title of broadest capabilities in the aluminum extrusion industry.

If you have any questions, please visit taberextrusions.com or call Taber Extrusions directly at: 1-888-984-3795.

 

Follow Taber Extrusions:

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

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

TWITTER: https://twitter.com/taberextrusions

YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.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

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

A bluescale graphic with blue, gold, & White laser light effects and bright confetti-like dots in upper left and lower right corners with the words, “New Year, Endless Possibilities” in the center and the Taber inverted gold triangle logo underneath, and finally, Taber’s website address – www.taberextrusions.com at the bottom.

“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

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.

“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.”

 

5 photos of Taber employees enjoying company activities. On the upper right corner are 4 employees standing in a row. On the bottom right corner, is a NMLP trophy for excellence in safety, made of a metallic hardhat above a shiny, black engraved box. The 3 pictures on the left are of employees inside a big hall celebrating Halloween. The Taber logo and words “October Picnic” are in a white circle on top of pictures.

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.

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.  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.

3 06, 2022

Consider Aluminum Distribution Services When Selecting Your Aluminum Extrusion Partner

2023-03-07T00:31:47+00:00June 3rd, 2022|

Close-up shot of the Taber logo, the letters Taber in “metal” gray and triangular metal gold logo beneath, centered and overlayed on the end of center round aluminum billets in the foreground, several more rounds blurred in the background.

When searching for a reliable aluminum extrusion partner, not only must their manufacturing capabilities be considered, but also their aluminum distribution services. Look to Taber Extrusions for their turnkey services that encompass all the above.

Product Capabilities in Aluminum Distribution Services

Taber Extrusions is a leading manufacturer of aluminum shapes, aluminum billet, and other aluminum products. With a diverse selection of aluminum products, from both standard and non-standard aluminum shapes, to the production of aluminum billets in a full range of aluminum alloys, Taber Extrusions is a full service supplier. In addition, Taber’s portfolio also includes friction stir welding, and extensive CNC-machining/fabrication capabilities.

The words Taber with logo beneath in upper center. The Shape of Endless Possibilities in all caps in white lettering centered. Several smaller company logos lower center. Subtle, indistinct images in the dark blue background.

Whether it is broad profiles or ultraprecision extrusions, Taber’s capabilities range from industry standard extrusions to intricate custom designs that meet very specific needs. The company’s standard shape catalog includes:  rods, hollows, channels, beams, angles, tees, zees, and bars in a wide range of sizes.

A Strong Network in Aluminum Distribution Services

Plus, the aluminum distribution market is exceedingly significant for Taber. In their Gulfport location, it accounts for approximately half of Taber’s business. Taber’s commercial network, aligned with key aluminum distributors, allows them to reach customers – both domestic and international. Distribution allows Taber to reach customers that might be too small to take a mill minimum order. It also allows Taber to reach industries that are perhaps not used to buying direct from a mill,  making Taber top choice in aluminum distribution services.

Side-by-side image of aluminum in two different forms; one in small chalky-looking grey chunks, and the other in shiny straw-sized solid shiny rods.

About Taber Extrusions

In a quest to continuously improve the quality and service we provide to our customers, Taber Extrusions continues to evolve by adding products, services, and cutting-edge technology.

Founded in 1973, Taber Extrusions originally pioneered a process for extruding rectangular billet which enables the company to extrude extra-large aluminum extrusion 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 state-of-the-art cast house and two additional presses, micro-extrusion capabilities, and the fabrication area has been expanded multiple times.

What’s more, Taber continues to extrude billet in a wide range of alloys and sizes and has diversified its markets beyond military. Since its inception, Taber has worked to include aerospace, automotive, marine, infrastructure, and sporting goods, among many others.

Additionally, in-house casting solutions, ultra-precision extrusion manufacturing, friction stir welding capacities, and a full range of hard and soft aluminum alloys are part of Taber’s portfolio. Taber continues to align itself as an industry leader in having the broadest available capabilities.

Today, Taber Extrusions is proud of its relatively recent addition, the VF-12 CNC machining line. Along with a full offering of extruded aluminum components, value-added machining services, and raw material supply to the North American market, Taber keeps expanding services. Adding these capabilities to a growing portfolio propels Taber into the future. In a quest to continuously improve quality and service, we aim to be your aluminum extrusion partner.

If you have any questions, please visit taberextrusions.com or contact 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

3 05, 2022

Aluminum Extrusions for Military Marine Application

2022-07-06T22:22:47+00:00May 3rd, 2022|

A graphic depiction of three different military ships at sea with Taber Extrusions’ inverted gold triangle logo on the lower left corner, the words, “Aluminum Extrusions for Military Marine Application” and Taber’s website address are centered at the bottom of the image: www.taberextrusions.com.

With all the possibilities of technical advancement, there are endless ways to be innovative these days. With that in mind, what is the significance of technology and innovation in shipbuilding? We can go back to the American Civil War in 1862, wherein two ironclad warships battled for the first time. Not one ship sunk; thus, both parties claimed victory.

For naval technology, this was an important milestone. Why? Because ironclad warships had shown an increase in survivability compared to their wooden-hulled predecessors. Presently, the battlefield is evolving faster than ever and the need has emerged for a new breed of warships with increased speed, agility, and stealth.

Look no further! The answer is aluminum.

5xxx aluminum alloys

Aluminum allows vessels to be made lighter and faster at one-third the density of steel. The corrosion resistance and strength of new alloys, especially the 5xxx series of aluminum alloys, make it an ideal choice for constructing sea-going vessels. Adding elements to pure aluminum produces a chemical composition with improved properties creating an aluminum alloy that increases strength. A 4-digit number is then assigned in which the first digit represents a general series that characterizes its main alloying elements.

The primary agent for the 5xxx series is magnesium which gives the alloy strength and good weldability, amongst other things. In naval ships alone, 6,000 tons of aluminum are used each year on destroyers. For more than a decade now, 5456 plate and extrusions have become the benchmark for the welded deckhouse structures of destroyers. The weight-saving ability of the 5xxx series allows the ship to maintain stability with a narrow hull that is crucial in reaching high speeds.

Advantages of 5xxx aluminum alloys

The structures save 55-67% of their weight by using a 5xxx aluminum alloy. The ships can increase payload, haul more equipment, and lower the energy required to power the boat. The 5xxx series has good weld ductility without post-weld treatments due to the weld yield strengths of 100-200 MPa. It has lower corrosion resistance which is ideal for any structure encountering water or chemicals. The tensile strength of the alloy showed reductions of only 2-5% throughout a 10-year seawater test.

An ominous photo capturing an overcast day with a Naval frigate ship traveling at a high speed through the ocean leaving a wake of frothy white waves in the deep blue sea.

Friction stir welding for marine vessels

The growth of new metal forming processes, friction stir welding (FSW) chief among them, has made aluminum one of the most versatile materials, creating profiles. For more than twenty years, friction stir welding or FSW has been a highly effective alternative to traditional MIG welding in marine applications. It is best used on long straight welds for a more cost-effective and efficient operation.

Several of the welded structures in this process are alloyed aluminum extrusions. Flat designs used in the marine industry, such as floors, decks, bulkheads, and parts that do not require complex curves, can be done by FSW. These vessels are capable of speeds of more than 45 knots (51 mph), an exceptional rate for vessels that weigh 3,500 tons. Even hull sections are critical to making the vessels lighter, faster, and more maneuverable.

Taber Extrusions’ Russellville, Arkansas friction stir welding production cell inside the facility.

Benefits of friction stir welding for marine vessels

  • Speeds up the building procedure and saves money for large and small projects.

    The cost savings come from eliminating the required person-hours of traditional MIG welding and providing a more substantial, higher quality weld, which cuts down on secondary repair costs. Using complete components such as modular FSW panels reduces the time and labor costs of measurements and cutting on the construction site. There is also minimal distortion on the weld and better aesthetics. It is more environmentally friendly (no UV radiation or fumes) and more user-friendly.

  • Removes flaws that are inherent to conditional welding methods.

    Characteristics include no porosity, no hot cracking, and a more robust fusion of the constituent elements. Becoming adopted far and near, FSW is less susceptible to errors due to the automated process.

Six photos of ships neatly aligned in two rows of three: Small Surface Combatants, Patrol Vessels, Expeditionary Fast Transport, Offshore Platforms, Cruise Ships, Civilian Transports – with the words “MARINE AND NAVAL” prominently at the top of the graphic in a bold black font.

Aluminum can help marine manufacturers and shipbuilders obtain weight and production savings and improve the quality and efficiency of vessels and structures… and the unique qualities of extruded aluminum component design provides exceptionally high torsion strength resistance – making it the ideal material for marine application.

 

More About Taber Extrusions

Taber Extrusions, founded in 1973, originally pioneered a process for extruding extra-large aluminum extrusion 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 state-of-the-art cast house and two additional presses, microextrusion capabilities, and the fabrication area, which has been expanded multiple times.

Taber continues to extrude billet in a wide range of alloys and sizes. It also has diversified its markets beyond the military since its inception to include aerospace, automotive, marine, infrastructure, and sporting goods, among many others. With in-house casting solutions, ultra-precision extrusion manufacturing, friction stir welding capacities, and a full range of hard and soft aluminum alloys, Taber aligns itself as an industry leader in having the broadest available capabilities.

Today, Taber Extrusions is proud of its recently added VF-12 CNC machining line and a complete offering of extruded aluminum components, value-added machining services, and raw material supply to the North American market. Adding these capabilities to a growing portfolio drives Taber into the future in a pursuit to continuously enhance the quality and service we provide to our customers.

We appreciate your ongoing support of Taber Extrusions, LLC. 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

3 04, 2022

Our Top Aluminum Microextrusion Blogs of All Time

2022-07-08T17:14:48+00:00April 3rd, 2022|

Blue shaded gradient over a photograph of a bridge tower and its suspension cables on the left and the U.S. flag on the right. Taber’s logo is at the very top and beneath it are the words, “The Shape of Endless Possibilities.” The logos designating minority-owned business enterprise (ISO 9001, AS 9100, NADCAP, and ABS-certified) are across the bottom in white print.

A lot has been said about the future of nano and microtechnology. This area of aluminum extrusion, which focuses on creating ever smaller products, promises solutions to age-old problems. On the silver screen, sci-fi productions have shown nano bots crawling into humans as a futuristic form of medicine. The Terminator film franchise explored the military potential of nano technology in a self-healing liquid metal of robots. Yet, examples like these are not actually all that farfetched. From self-healing metal to invasive medicine, a whole new realm of possibilities has been opened by tiny manufacturing.

At Taber, we are part of this revolution with our microextrusions. Like conventional aluminum extrusions, microextrusions are pushed through a die. Unlike conventional extrusions, the entire extrusion process is performed at a submillimeter level. In other words, the resulting product’s cross section can fit through a 1-millimeter square. Our microextrusions have found application in a wide range of industries, which we have previously explored in a series of articles on these miniscule creations.

1) Taber: Microextrusions for Defense and Aerospace

6 military jets flying across a blue sky above two military vehicles (tank and a ship) facing away from each other. The words “Taber: Microextrusions for Defense and Aerospace” are in black above the ship.

Taber Extrusions has experienced many evolutions since its founding in the early 1970s. Taber pioneered a process for extruding rectangular billet of solid profiles up to 31 inches wide or hollows up to 29 inches. Since then, it increased Taber’s billet capacity, alloy range, and ability to reuse materials. Within the last decade, fabrication capabilities were upgraded, friction stir welding was added, and of course, microextrusions became an offering. Lightweight, strong, and widely functional, microextrusions are perfect for military and aerospace components. Interior aircraft systems, AC condensers, communication systems, and firearm components all use microextrusions. Read more about it here.

2) Process, Benefits, and Examples of Medical Microextrusions

A darkened photograph of a medical room with a bunch of white medical appliances. The words, “Process, Benefits, and Examples of Medical Microextrusions” are positioned on top of the photo in white.

You don’t have to go in for a colonoscopy to understand the benefit of smaller medical tools. The microextrusions used in medicine include components that overwhelmingly support cardio- and neurovascular procedures, drug delivery, IV procedures, and other procedures that require work on a micro level. An added challenge for medical manufacturing is that conventional extrusion machinery is not quite precise enough, so it calls for special machinery. Medical microextrusions are created at a very slow rate to maintain the physical properties of the delicate material and create ultra-precise extrusions.

3) Microextrusions in the Consumer Electronics Sector

A lengthwise photograph of an open computer motherboard with all the different ports and circuits exposed, many of which are made of aluminum microextrusions. In the center of the photo are the words, “Microextrusions in the Consumer Electronics Sector” in white text.

The most widespread and easy-to-spot place where miniature extrusions are making a difference in consumer products is in electronic products. Portable, durable, and complex, computational devises like laptops and smartphones have increasingly smaller parts. From enclosures to motherboards and LED profile bays, microextrusions have become a fundamental part of electronic devices. This article outlines more aspects of consumer electronics that use precision aluminum extrusions in their design.

Often used in medical and surgical procedures, microtubing is a highly-valued type of microextrusion. Aluminum can provide three times as much volume per pound as other metal products – so when too much weight is detrimental, aluminum is an obvious choice. Aluminum is also anti-corrosive, making it an ideal material for many types of environments.

A metal ruler lying flat on the surface of a table showing a length of 8 inches, while several aluminum microtubes are suspended above the ruler and the words “Aluminum Microtubing Rapidly Developing in Sync: Microextrusions” are in black above the ruler and on top of the tubes.
Blue shaded gradient over a photograph of a bridge tower and its suspension cables on the left and the U.S. flag on the right. Taber’s logo is at the very top and beneath it are the words, “The Shape of Endless Possibilities.” The logos designating minority-owned business enterprise (ISO 9001, AS 9100, NADCAP, and ABS-certified) are across the bottom in white print.

This last blog outlines Taber’s capabilities, ranging from friction stir welding to microextrusions. Through Taber’s unwavering commitment, present and future customers can expect expanded extrusion solutions, programs, and services in the coming years… and find endless possibilities. Read more about it here.

Despite its broad application in today’s products, the potential of microextrusions is still just being explored. As miniature aluminum extrusions become smaller and more precise, industries will continue to find new ways to create futuristic solutions to modern problems. Taber offers the highest levels of quality and the broadest range of capabilities in the industry, designed to be ready for whatever design tomorrow brings.

 

Taber Extrusions: Summary

Founded in 1973, Taber Extrusions originally pioneered a process for extruding rectangular billet, enabling the company to extrude extra-large aluminum extrusion 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 state-of-the-art cast house and two additional presses, micro-extrusion 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. With in-house casting solutions, ultra-precision extrusion manufacturing, friction stir welding capacities, and a full range of hard and soft aluminum alloys, Taber continues to align itself as an industry leader in having the broadest available capabilities.

Today, Taber Extrusions is proud of its recently added VF-12 CNC machining line and a complete offering of extruded aluminum components, value-added machining services, and raw material supply to the North American market. Adding these capabilities to a growing portfolio propels Taber into the future in a quest to continuously improve the quality and service we provide to our customers.

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

3 03, 2022

Friction Stir Welding of Dissimilar Alloys

2022-07-06T21:52:32+00:00March 3rd, 2022|

A photograph featuring a person with long hair in a ponytail held down by a headband that looks like a chain and wearing blue rimmed protection glasses that reflect the room, looks at a panel carefully. Behind the panel is a friction stir welding spinner, which looks like a big hydraulic cylinder with a drill bit at the end and there is a plastic hose attached. Behind this, a red, metallic workbox and green wall is slightly out of focus. Must be read in the voice of the movie Voice-Over artist: “In a world where dissimilar metals cannot be joined, one path stands above the rest…”

Friction Stir Welding: The New Frontier in Welding

In 1991, an elegant new way to weld metals revolutionized the world. The process known as friction stir welding (FSW) moved welding out of the Stone Age and into the technology age, allowing precise, mess-free welding.

Friction stir welding is a solid-state joining process where a rotating and traversing FSW tool generates sufficient frictional heat along a joint between two metals to form a weld. It can be considered a “green” approach to joining since an external heating source is not needed and is more environmentally friendly than other methods since neither a flux nor a shielding gas are required.

There are several strength, speed, consumption, and cost benefits associated with friction stir welding. Many of these advantages are due to the fact that there is no microscopic melting during FSW, so the process is free of problems associated with traditional welding, such as porosity, lack of fusion, and change in material.

In this blog, we will discuss a remarkable benefit also associated with FSW: the ability to weld dissimilar aluminum alloys.

Welding of Dissimilar Alloys

Industries such as aerospace, military, transportation, manufacturing, and cargo ship production have a pressing need for welding dissimilar metals. Welding, instead of riveting, joints can produce significant cost savings while reducing the weight of their vessels or constructions.

Close-up view of a friction stir weld tack tool.

However, the welding of dissimilar alloys poses quite a conundrum. The different chemical and physical properties of dissimilar alloys can cause havoc as metals flow into each other during a conventional welding process.

For example, the different melting temperature, thermal conductivity, coefficient of linear expansion, and heat capacity of steel and aluminum causes their joint to be brittle whenever they are fused.

Friction Stir Welding: Easier Welding of Aluminum Alloys

Fortunately, FSW has proven to be an effective way to join similar and dissimilar aluminum alloys. In contrast to traditional fusion welding, FSW is free of the problems associated with fusion welding of dissimilar alloys, like porosity, segregation, and liquation cracking. For these reasons and more, higher joint quality is a characteristic of this approach.

FSW’s ability for welding dissimilar aluminum alloys at an industrial level is aided by being a solid-state welding technique.

A photograph of a stack of shiny, square aluminum plates, several at the top have the edges facing the same direction and the bottoms ones seem to be placed more haphazardly.

The Future of Friction Stir Welding and Dissimilar Alloys

 

Despite FSW’s success with aluminum, not every combination of metals can currently be welded by FSW, including some aluminum alloys. The formation of intermetallic compounds lowers weld quality.

Monumental efforts in research and development are being applied to the achievement of these FSW goals. This involves a lot of trial and error with spin speed, spin head and pin materials, and joint configurations.

Other options, such as submerged friction stir welding — submerging or having water run over the welding zone — might solve common problems associated with dissimilar welding alloys. The water helps extract heat from the joint, decreasing grain size and increasing tensile strength.

In other research areas, techniques such as friction stir knead welding have been used successfully to weld together very thin aluminum sheets with steel. The distinguishing feature of this variant of FSW is that it does not use the pin portion of the rotating tool.

Taber Extrusions friction stir welding facility in Russellville, Arkansas.

A Grand Friction Stir Welding Facility

 

In America, Taber Extrusions added a 60,000 square foot expansion to their facility in Russellville, AR, giving them FSW capabilities. The machine allows for Taber to continue producing their extra wide profiles. Through this addition, Taber can continue to create stronger, environmentally friendly aluminum welds at a much faster speed for clients.

With the promising future of FSW, Taber has established itself as a key-player for futuristic welding.

A circular graphic map showing the southeastern states of the United States in two shades of blue with broad white lines marking the borders and two inverse pyramids made up of yellow bars, the logo for Taber, marking the sites of Taber’s manufacturing plants located in Arkansas and Mississippi.

About Taber Extrusions

Founded in 1973, Taber Extrusions originally pioneered a process for extruding rectangular billet which enables the company to extrude extra-large aluminum extrusion 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 state-of-the-art cast house and two additional presses, micro-extrusion 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. With in-house casting solutions, ultra-precision extrusion manufacturing, friction stir welding capacities, and a full range of hard and soft aluminum alloys, Taber continues to align itself as an industry leader in having the broadest available capabilities.

Today, Taber Extrusions is proud of its recently added VF-12 CNC machining line and a full offering of extruded aluminum components, value-added machining services, and raw material supply to the North American market. Adding these capabilities to a growing portfolio propels Taber into the future in a quest to continuously improve the quality and service we provide to our customers.

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

3 02, 2022

Creating The Best Aluminum Extrusions Company

2022-07-06T21:02:02+00:00February 3rd, 2022|

An aerial view of a group of workers around a table problem solving; on the table are chalk drawings of and the terms: analysis, success, ideas, vision, teamwork.

“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” —Maya Angelou

Imagine that you are in the perfect work atmosphere. Chances you are happy, productive, and not rushed. You are recognized for your unique skill set. You collaborate well with your team. You are satisfied with the work that you and your teammates accomplish and proud of the product that you offer the world at large.

What makes a great company culture? Countless writings have been published about this topic, and a great number of speakers tour the globe on corporate lecture circuits to help companies establish the best work atmosphere possible. That said, this is something that we all innately understand: the characteristics required to create the best company culture include strong/positive leadership, effective communication, diversity/inclusion, recognition, goals/strategies, and teamwork. At Taber – with five decades of practice – we infuse each of these characteristics into each and every project we undertake. If we could boil the above listed characteristics into one word, it would be teamwork.

Nine varieties of aluminum alloys in different extrusion profile shapes and sizes.

Since 1973, Taber has been a leader in aluminum extrusion and aluminum fabrication services. Taber Extrusions values our relationships, and this starts within the company and extends to our customers. As a company that specializes in aluminum extrusions, billet casting, fabrication, microextrusions, friction stir-welding, and design assistance… we do a lot of different things at Taber, so we must hire candidates from a variety of educational backgrounds and experience.

We respect our hard-workers with experience in their respective field, but we also understand the value of listening to our employees from other backgrounds that offer a fresh approach to finding new solutions to challenges. Though we are a large company, we like to think of ourselves as a local business: we value family.

Portrait of Taber Extrusions Human Resources Manager Leslie Schreckhise

“At Taber, I am surrounded by team full of smart, innovative people who challenge me to learn more and continually improve.  This is a fascinating world with new challenges and victories every day.  I am never bored at Taber!” says Leslie Schreckhise, Human Resources Manager at Taber. “I believe that what sets us apart is our family-like culture, we all care for and support each other as family.”

We advocate for our diverse team, their wide array of contributions, and do our best to make sure they feel appreciated an recognized. There are many ways to show our gratitude, including respecting their family/personal time, and forging friendships through non-work activities and team building.

Jeffrey Bladow, Taber’s Director of Business Development has this to add; “Taber solves multi-faceted problems…. I enjoy working side by side with problem solvers and relish in the satisfaction in helping our customer’s develop the products of the future. Today’s market is demanding lighter weight, higher performing applications that Taber makes today. There is a growing market demand that Taber can supply.  I hope to further engage and create an exciting atmosphere for all of our team as we respond to the opportunity ahead of us.  I will encourage and lead a mindset of continuous improvement and a fun family atmosphere to work in.  Our society will continue to demand Taber’s unique products.  We will make the world a better and more efficient place.”

Portrait of Jeffrey Bladow, Taber Extrusions Director of Business Development

Dedication to fostering our diverse team, all of whom offer important perspectives and ideas, allows us to transmit enthusiasm into each project. This means using our collective creativity and skill set to turn any idea into a design application- be they related to aerospace, transportation, mining, military, electronics, marine, shipbuilding, R&D projects, and sporting goods. Due to the nature of our inventive team—

 

Our processing services include:

  • Billet Casting – Gulfport, MS. Facility
  • Solution Heat Treatment
  • Stretcher/Detwister – 750 ton Capacity
  • Cut-to-length
  • Custom Packaging
  • Fabrication
  • Statistical Process Control
  • Quality Assurance – Defense Contractor Approved
  • Artificial Aging Ovens

Our 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.

 

Our team-based philosophy doesn’t end with our employees. Customers are team members too. We specialize in personal attention, and our customer-first approach allows consumer manufacturers from around the globe trust us for their most unique, customized aluminum extrusion projects. Our inventive team is on a perpetual mission to deliver excellent products with our customers in mind.

Horizontal white and black letter blocks with the terms “customer” above “satisfaction,” vertical blue and white letter blocks with the term “loyalty.)

Taber Extrusions produces a consistently dependable product – this is how we practice loyalty to our customers – and what keeps them coming back. By ensuring that every process and procedure, from billet procurement and final shipment, fulfills all ISO9001 and AS9100 standards, Taber maintains preferred supplier ratings. Our positive reputation for quality programs enables customers to optimize end-product procurement time.

More About Taber Extrusions

Taber Extrusions is 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. 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.

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 01, 2022

Taber Extrusions: The Shape of Endless Possibilities Since 1973

2022-02-03T22:46:16+00:00January 3rd, 2022|

A billboard-style, graphic presentation featuring various-sizes of rendered aluminum extrusions, with the words “Taber Extrusions, The Sky is The Limit” in large bold silver lettering and a caption that reads, “complex aluminum extrusions for virtually any application,” an inverted gold triangle logo next to the word “Sky” has a background of mountains behind it all.

Taber Extrusions has extrusions in the name, but it’s really a full-service aluminum extrusion company. Taber controls it all, from the casting of the billet, the extrusion process, fabrication, and finally, the logistics.

Taber possesses a commitment to meeting and exceeding customer expectations by providing both products and customer service levels that are of the highest quality. This commitment is at the core of their operating philosophy.

Taber Extrusions History

Taber Extrusions was founded in 1973, when the Taber family acquired an aluminum extrusion plant in Russellville, Arkansas from Dow Chemical (which had originally built the plant in 1970). National Material Company L.P. (NMLP) later purchased the company in 1976. The Arkansas facility was originally dedicated to the production of specific military-related, large, wide, and long extrusions for the U.S. government.

A graphic showing an outline of the state of Arkansas, with a red map pin and Taber’s gold inverted triangle logo marking Russellville. The words “The Shape of Endless Possibilities” are to the right of the map.

Taber’s Russellville facility houses the largest rectangular aluminum extrusion press in North America, which uniquely positions Taber to extrude super-wide shapes – much more comprehensively than is possible with traditional round containers. This rectangular container allows them to supply some of the industry’s widest, most complex, multi-void hollows.

In 1995, the Gulfport, Mississippi facility was acquired in response to the growing need in the domestic market for aluminum billet products. Taber added 7″ billet molds to their existing extrusion billet casting profile.

With the intention to expand even further, in 2015, Taber upgraded the Russellville fabrication facility even more. By 2017, Taber’s aluminum cast house expansion was completed and acquired 7″, 9″, 11″, 16″, 20″, and 10″ x 20″ rectangular billet molds.

Taber completed the relocation and start-up of its micro-extrusion press lines in 2018. This greatly expanded their supply possibilities with extrusion solutions, programs, and services. Taber’s newest ultra-precision extrusion manufacturing lines have a product envelope with a circle size of 3 inches or less and a weight per foot of 1 lb. or less. The micro-extrusion presses differ from traditional extrusion presses in that they can produce extrusions with a wall thickness of 0.010 inches and tolerances of +/- 0.001 inches. Designers and engineers can use these micro-extrusion production centers to develop profiles that would otherwise be impossible to extrude using conventional presses.

Angle on 8 new shovels with white Taber Extrusions hard hats resting neatly on each shovel handle, resting on holders just beyond a mound of freshly turned dirt from a nicely manicured lawn area in front of Taber’s Russellville, Arkansas aluminum extrusion facility.

In April 2019, Taber held a groundbreaking ceremony to announce its newest in-house FSW capability, making them a vertically integrated supplier of FSW panels and assemblies never before seen in North America.

Congressman Steve Womack described how he sees Taber’s role from both a local and national perspective:

“The expansion of an existing company such as Taber Extrusions means a lot more than the location of a new company. It means that Taber is in the right place and has what it needs to succeed. Taber plays an important role in the defense of our nation with products that are an asset to our defense capabilities.”

“This was an obvious next-step for Taber,” said Jason Weber, V.P. of Sales and Marketing, in an article by Light Metal Age Magazine. “The company was founded in 1973, and never stopped diversifying, adding new capabilities, and technologies. We are known for aluminum extrusions, fabrication, billet casting, ultra-precision extrusions. Friction stir welding was going to happen eventually.”

A slick-looking 3D-rendered graphic of Taber Extrusion’s Haas VF-12 CNC machine on the right side of Taber’s official gold inverted triangle logo, and the words, “Introducing out new Haas VF-12/40”

As for the most recent addition to Taber’s extrusion capabilities, they announced the Haas VF-12 CNC. This one-of-a-kind machine allows Taber’s top engineers to design optimal extrusion shapes using specialized software to have them made within this “self-contained factory,” all in one precise and effective process.

Weber had this to say about their 2021 machining center expansion

We will continue to invest in technologies that provide the widest scope of services in the aluminum extrusion industry. The Haas VF-12 CNC machine is yet another example of our willingness to invest and deliver the widest scope of services across the aluminum extrusion continuum.”

See our company timeline infographic here.

Helping Shape Our Community

A graphic featuring the Taber inverted gold triangle logo and the words “Powered by Ambition” atop a background of aluminum decking profiles with a dark blue hue for a wallpaper effect.

Taber cares about the communities in which their employees live and work. Their goal is to provide their employees with a safe and secure workplace that has an emphasis on personal and professional development, as well as cultivating an attitude focused on delivering genuine and reliable service. Excellent customer service will always stand out, and Taber enjoys the many long-term relationships which have developed over the years because of the personal accountability that they give to their customers.

Forming and shaping the identity of a community is one of the greatest things about Taber’s position. Not only are local businesses like Taber a crucial element in creating a culture for the community, but they also build connections and relationships with the people.

Work at Taber Extrusions

As an aluminum extruder with extremely broad and unique capabilities there is no question that Taber’s employees have been the foundation of their success. They have developed an atmosphere where people are respected and appreciated. The Taber family plans to continue to foster careers that are right for their people, and right for their business. There is no question: Taber’s employees power their success.

A 2-panel graphic – right panel is a wide shot of an elegant rectangular black lacquer pedestal adorned with a silver cast hard hat with the NMLP inverted triangle logo with words inscribed. The left panel reads, “Taber Extrusions Russellville, AR. Awarded 2018 Safety Excellence Award.”

Pictured above: Taber Extrusions took home National Material L.P.’s 2018 Safety Excellence Award for exceptional safety management at their Russellville, Arkansas facility.

Taber is growing fast, and we are seeking talent in engineering, operations, sales, and more! You may be exactly what we’re looking for in our vision for future growth. Feel free to apply and place your resume in our database. We have an extensive community of career opportunities, and we are always on the hunt for great talent and professionals. You can also apply to an open position which will either match you to your next career move or place you in our network to receive job updates.

View our open career listings here!

Taber Extrusions: Summary

Founded in 1973, Taber Extrusions originally pioneered a process for extruding rectangular billet which enables the company to extrude extra-large aluminum extrusion 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 state-of-the-art cast house and two additional presses, micro-extrusion 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. With in-house casting solutions, ultra-precision extrusion manufacturing, friction stir welding capacities, and a full range of hard and soft aluminum alloys, Taber continues to align itself as an industry leader in having the broadest available capabilities. 

Today, Taber Extrusions is proud of its recently added VF-12 CNC machining line and a full offering of extruded aluminum components, value-added machining services, and raw material supply to the North American market. Adding these capabilities to a growing portfolio propels Taber into the future in a quest to continuously improve the quality and service we provide to our customers.

Thank you for your continued support of Taber Extrusions, LLC. If you have any questions, please visit taberextrusions.com or contact one of Taber’s regional sales managers.

22 11, 2021

From Friction Stir Welding to Micro Extrusions: Leading Aluminum Extruder Taber is Vertically Integrated

2021-11-22T21:52:41+00:00November 22nd, 2021|

A graphic presented in various shades of blue, with a faint image of a bridge that resembles the Golden Gate, and an American flag flowing in the wind with the official Taber logo, the words “The Shape of Endless Possibilities,” and certification seals for ISO 9001, MBE, Made in the USA, NADCAP, and ABS Group.

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. A minority-owned business enterprise which is ISO 9001, AS 9100, NADCAP, and ABS 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 which houses a new state-of-the-art cast house and two additional presses, micro-extrusion capabilities, and the fabrication area has since 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 and supplies cast and extruded aluminum products in a variety of soft and hard alloys.

Today, Taber Extrusions is proud of its added friction stir welding capabilities, full offering of extruded aluminum components, value-added machining services and raw material supply to the North American market. The addition of in-house FSW capabilities makes Taber Extrusions a vertically integrated supplier of FSW panels and assemblies never seen before in North America.

ALUMINUM EXTRUSIONS

A graphic with four square sections placed on top of a gradient steel beam background in varying shades of greyish blue hues. There are two collections of aluminum extrusion shape renderings; and the upper left reads “Aluminum Extrusions” with the official Taber logo prominently situated below.

Known as a leading aluminum extruder, Taber offers a full range of aluminum alloys including hard, soft, marine, and armor grade. Choose from 2000, 5000, 6000, and 7000 grades with custom chemistries available for specific metal fabrication needs. Taber’s aluminum extrusions range spans from less than 1 lb./ft. to over 140 lbs./ft., making Taber the broadest extruders of aluminum profiles in the industry. Their multi-void hollow capability is up to 29” wide, and they can produce solid extrusions up to 31” wide. As part of Taber’s value-added approach, they offer design assistance for custom and specialty aluminum profiles.

Taber also offers the only 28” x 10” rectangular container size in North America.

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

  • The flatness can be controlled to within 75% of AA specification on wide panel, multivoid hollow profiles of up to 29” width.
  • Contour on most profiles can be controlled as per the spec without secondary operations.
  • Superior dimension control and consistency throughout the length of the extruded profile.

FABRICATION CAPABILITIES

An extreme close-up photo of a CNC machine spindle with the words, “Introducing new state of the art aluminum fabrication facility – dedicated to innovation” in print on the right side.

Taber’s aluminum fabrication capabilities include precision sawing, horizontal machining and manufacturing, extra-large CNC machining, 5-axis CNC machining, multi-axis machining, and a vertical machining center. Taber’s cut tolerances cover length and squareness of cut (up to +/- .050″) across a maximum 36″ width (minimum cut length of .75″). These precision saw-cutting capabilities for rod & bar/standard extruded shapes and customized aluminum extrusion profiles saw cut with greater accuracy, providing their customers with a product precise enough to be loaded directly into their machining centers. The precision cut blanks save customers time and money compared to having to cut mill lengths in-house.

Machinery — Aluminum CNC machining services:

  • Haas VF-12… COMING SOON!! (Link to latest blog on this topic)
  • Haas VF-7
  • EMMEGI Satellite XT
  • OKK Horizontal Machining Center
  • Zeiss CMM

Machinery – Aluminum precision cutting & sawing services:

  • BO Saws B-800
  • Marvel Band Saw

Visit Taber Extrusions’ Fabrication web page for videos and details!

ALUMINUM CAST HOUSE

Taber Extrusion’s brightly lit, modernized Gulfport, Mississippi cast house, focus is on 16 large, stacked aluminum billets.

With the completion of a 2017 cast house modernization, Taber has increased its billet capacity by over 30%, expanded its range of high quality aluminum alloys (hard, soft, marine, aerospace, and defense), and enabled the use of more diverse scrap material in its process, allowing for the production of billet with high recycled content. “We have evolved into a fully integrated supplier with control over our raw materials by casting the alloys and diameters necessary to feed our extrusion presses,” says Eric Angermeier, President of Taber Extrusions.

Eric Angermeier, President of Taber Extrusions, seated at his desk with a welcoming smile.

“Our recent cast house modernization has significantly increased the billet quality that will flow through all aspects of our business. Our capabilities to serve diverse markets are greatly enhanced and we now have capacity for third party sales of extrusion billet and large forging stock,” Angermeier adds. (Read full article in Light Metal Age magazine here.)

Taber launched their “Billets Straight to You” (aluminum billets for immediate sale) campaign in 2020, which includes aluminum alloys 6061 and 6063, with 6005, 6005A, 6082 available upon request.

Taber Extrusion’s magazine ad showing a photo of billets being dipped for cooling by a Taber-branded billet lift, and the “Aluminum Alloys Straight to You” information, which is the same content provided in this article.

MICRO-EXTRUSIONS

A measuring ruler showing 6.5 inches with a series of micro extrusion shape renderings encapsulated in a 1” square box alongside 5 bullets of text explaining "Greater design flexibility, high-quality precision aluminum extrusions at machined tolerances, reduced costs, thin wall capability, and excellent surface finish."

Taber’s micro-extrusion manufacturing lines have a production envelope with a circle size of 3 inches or less and a weight per foot of 1 lb. or less. For comparison, the 8,600 ton press in Taber’s Russellville facility produces profiles with a minimum weight of 4 lbs. per foot.

Unlike traditional extrusion presses, these micro-extrusion presses are built to allow for the production of extrusions with wall thicknesses of 0.010 inches and tolerance capabilities of +/- 0.001 inches. These miniature extrusion production centers allow designers and engineers the freedom to create profiles that are un-extrudable through conventional presses.

Jason Weber, V.P. of Sales and Marketing at Taber Extrusions, wearing a light blue oxford and a white Polo zip-up sweater, smiling for the camera.

“As computers get smaller and smaller, the heat sinks used in those computers need to likewise get smaller… they can also be used in industrial applications, with housings for sensors, and in military applications, as components for drones. So, there’s a lot of market potential for micro-extrusions,” explains Jason Weber, Taber V.P. of Sales and Marketing, in Light Metal Age Magazine, 2018.

FRICTION STIR WELDING

Wide angle of Taber Extrusion’s friction stir welding machine with the headline in bold black capital letters, “FRICTION STIR WELDING: WE’RE READY FOR BUSINESS” with Taber’s official logo underneath.

Taber’s FSW capabilities include simultaneous two-side welding, double wall hollow extrusions up to 6.25 inches tall, 32 inches wide, and accepts lengths up to 65 feet long. Taber’s friction stir welding production cell is capable of creating panel assemblies 200 inches wide by 65 feet long, with integrated pre-joining profile trimming. With profile widths up to 31 inches, lengths up to 65 feet, and ability to weld up to 3/4 of an inch in a single pass, Taber has an operational envelope that is unmatched within the industry.

Friction stir welding is commonly used in the rail, automotive, marine & shipbuilding industries, military & defense, commercial & industrial construction, infrastructure, and in aviation & aerospace.

The addition of in-house FSW capabilities makes Taber Extrusions a vertically integrated supplier of FSW panels and assemblies never seen before in North America.

“This was an obvious next-step for Taber,” said Jason Weber, V.P. of Sales and Marketing, in a 2019 article by Light Metal Age Magazine, “the company was founded in 1973, and never stopped diversifying, adding new capabilities, and technologies. We are known for aluminum extrusions, fabrication, billet casting, ultra-precision extrusions. Friction stir welding was going to happen eventually.”

 

LEADING ALUMINUM EXTRUDER TABER

INDUSTRIES SERVED:

  • Government/military
  • Aircraft/aerospace
  • Marine/shipbuilding
  • Infrastructure
  • Electronics
  • Medical
  • Transportation
  • Rail car
  • Mining
  • Industrial
  • Agricultural
  • Sporting goods
  • Custom shapes for most any application

Taber Extrusions is a full-service partner with 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 everything they do… making certain that whatever you can dream, they can give it shape.

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

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14 10, 2021

Taber Extrusions Social Study: Aluminum’s Economic Impact

2021-10-14T02:28:11+00:00October 14th, 2021|

A photograph of a piece of paper, a dark blue pushpin is affixed at the top of a bar graph alongside a blue pen below which are the words “Taber Extrusion Social Study: Aluminum’s Economic Impact.”

Aluminum is everywhere. Many of the conveniences of modern life would not be possible without it. It is a crucial element for modern innovative applications, for sustainability, and also for the progress of the economy. Its strong and lightweight features and ability to be infinitely recycled propelled the U.S. aluminum industry to become the backbone of the nation’s manufacturing base. With the findings of research conducted by John Dunham & Associates and released by the Aluminum Association, this blog will delve deeper into the impact of aluminum on the United States’ economy.

An image of a person wearing a black helmet and a thick red jacket welding a piece of metal, with green light sparking out of the welding machinery.

The Aluminum Industry Generates Jobs

Several challenges have been presented to the industry in recent years, still, the aluminum market has shown a great deal of resilience. Even though the aluminum industry faced several challenges, including many job losses, growth in downstream segments like flat-rolled products and extrusions provided a way to compensate.

 

Today, the American aluminum industry directly employs over 166,000 people that generate more than 170 billion dollars in economic output. In addition, over 494,000 workers are indirectly employed, which contributes another 102 billion dollars to economic activity. As a whole, over 660,000 U.S. jobs are supported by the production, processing, and use of aluminum. Those employed in the aluminum industry earn an average yearly salary that is above the national average. Indirect employees contribute 44 billion dollars in wages and benefits to the economy. When all employment supported by the industry is considered, these jobs generate nearly 16 billion dollars in federal, state, and local taxes. 

An image of the tops of a bunch of shiny, unopened aluminum cans beneath a gray banner with the word “Recyclable” and a graphic of the green recycling symbol next to it.

Aluminum Recycling Generates High-Value Economic Impact

Aside from being strong and lightweight, aluminum also has the advantage of retaining its properties, making it one of the most recyclable materials. Having said that, the aluminum industry has recycled more than 70 percent of its output since it was established.

Aluminum recycling conserves more than 90 percent of the energy costs required in primary production. Recycling a pound of aluminum saves about 7 kilowatt-hours of electricity. Also, it is the only material in the consumer disposal stream that generates a greater return than the cost of its collection. Every minute, an average of 113,000 aluminum cans are recycled. The aluminum industry pays a tremendous amount of money to replace empty aluminum cans. With the recycling of aluminum, specifically aluminum cans, charitable organizations have been developed and supported for decades and more decades to come. 

An image of cylindrical billets of aluminum resting on top of each other with beams of wood between each of them and green bands to hold them in place.

Aluminum is a major contributor to the nation’s manufacturing base and economy, supporting thousands of jobs in many communities and regions. Over 660,000 workers are employed by the industry, which generates 170 billion dollars in economic output each year. Moreover, aluminum is considered to be a sustainable metal. This means it can be recycled multiple times without the risk of degrading breaking. Taber Extrusions understands the important role that aluminum plays in the nation’s economy and contributes to that role by providing various processing services related to aluminum. A few of these services include aluminum extrusions, micro extrusions, billet casting, aluminum fabrication, and friction stir welding.

ABOUT TABER

Founded in 1973, Taber Extrusions is the pioneer of extruding rectangular billet, allowing the company to manufacture solid profiles up to 31 inches wide or hollow profiles up to 29 inches wide. With the purchase of an extrusion facility in Gulfport, MS, Taber expanded its capabilities with a state-of-the-art cast house, two additional presses, micro extrusion capability, and numerous fabrication expansions.

Taber continues to extrude billets in an array of alloys and sizes. Its markets have expanded beyond the military to include aerospace, automotive, marine, infrastructure, and sporting goods. For these markets, the company supplies cast and extruded products in various soft and hard alloys.

Today, Taber Extrusions is a vertically integrated supplier of friction stir welding panels and assemblies in North America not previously seen – offering extruded aluminum components, value-added machining services, and raw materials.

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