6 11, 2024

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

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

Silhouettes of two soldiers saluting against a sky with the text “Taber Does That: Real-World Aluminum Applications That Protect a Nation” and the Taber logo in the foreground.

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.

The top of the Statue of Liberty is on the left with the Taber logo below it. The headline to the right of the Statue of Liberty says, “The Shape of Endless Possibilities — Taber Extrusions” above a collage of four images of Taber Extrusions’ equipment and their warehouse.

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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7 10, 2024

How Taber Does That: Aluminum Extrusion Innovation and Technology

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

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

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

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

Timeline of Technological Advancements

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

1995: Gulfport facility expansion

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

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

2014: Additional fabrication capabilities in Russellville

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

2017: Increased billet capacity

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

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

2018: Ultra-precision extrusions

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

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

2019: Friction stir welding (FSW)

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

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

2021: Haas VF12 CNC machine

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

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

Upcoming SMS press installation

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

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

Technologies and Innovations

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

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

Industry Impact

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

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

Partner with Taber Extrusions

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

About Taber Extrusions

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

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

24 07, 2024

State-of-the-Art Press Line Unveiled by Taber Extrusions: Combining Superior Design, Capability, Reliability, and Quality

2024-10-22T00:06:06+00:00July 24th, 2024|

A graphic of the Taber Extrusions with the title, "Something is Coming" and a black cover concealing the state-of-the-art press line

Aluminum Extrusions leader Taber Extrusions is proud to announce the addition of one of the largest, state-of-the-art press lines in North America. It’s a 10,000-ton press equipped with a 16-inch container. This state-of-the-art installation is set to go live in 2026. It is specifically designed to meet the rigorous demands of the aerospace, defense, and heavy industrial markets.

 

RUSSELLVILLE, Ark.July 23, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Taber Extrusions is dedicated to investing in cutting-edge technologies, providing unparalleled capabilities in the extrusion industry. If a job can be done, it can be done at Taber.

 

Reflecting this commitment, Taber Extrusions is proud to announce the addition of one of the largest direct presses in North America. A 10,000-ton press equipped with a 16-inch container. This state-of-the-art installation is set to go live in 2026. It is specifically designed to meet the rigorous demands of the aerospace, defense, and heavy industrial markets.

 

The new press will offer advanced heat solutions and is capable of handling both hard and soft alloys, ensuring versatility and superior performance. This significant investment underscores Taber Extrusions’ commitment to providing cutting-edge technology and expanding its capabilities to serve our national defense partners and beyond.

Design and Capability

To start, the state-of-the-art 10,000 UST Front Load, Direct press boasts cutting-edge machinery featuring a 16″ (406mm) container. It can handle profiles up to 600mm wide. Designed for reliability, it includes a pre-stressed press frame with laminated tie-rods and compression boxes supplied by SMS Group.

 

For quality assurance, the press is equipped with a linear guide for precise alignment and a movable butt shear with an adjustable gap. Safety is paramount, with a blast shield and integrated camera to enhance operational security. This new press sets a new standard in the industry. It combines advanced design, robust reliability, superior quality, and uncompromising safety.

Reliability

Furthermore, our state-of-the-art press line design incorporates an IAS Induction Heater for billet taper and a comprehensive Log Wash System, ensuring superior quality. The new system features vertical log storage for increased capacity. Additionally, our TERS System enhances energy efficiency, saving 6-8% in energy consumption. This innovative technology reaffirms our commitment to quality, capacity, and sustainability in extrusion processes.

Quality

Lastly, downstream of the press we will incorporate the latest COMETAL Engineering technology. It features a high-performance multi-spray zone profile quench with a cooling recipe system, and quench and cooling simulation for advanced product development. The in-line solution heat-treatment and aging process allows us to meet AMS 2750 Class 1/2, Type B, CQI-9, and AMS 2772 specifications, ensuring top-notch quality. Moreover, the system includes an AGV System and adjustable racks for increased capacity and efficiency. These upgrades reinforce our commitment to excellence and innovation in the extrusion industry.

About Taber Extrusions

Taber Extrusions, a minority-owned business enterprise, is AS 9100, NADCAP, and ABS certified. Since its founding in 1973, Taber has pioneered the process of extruding rectangular billet, enabling the extrusion of solid profiles up to 31 inches wide and hollows up to 29 inches. In 1995, Taber expanded by acquiring an extrusion facility in Gulfport, MS. It includes a cast house and two additional presses, along with multiple expansions of value-added fabrication services. Taber continues to extrude billet in a wide range of alloys and sizes, including 7″ billet molds.

 

The company has diversified its markets beyond the military to include aerospace, automotive, marine, infrastructure, and sporting goods, among others. For these markets, Taber supplies extruded products in a variety of soft and hard alloys. In 2018, Taber further expanded its capabilities by adding ultra-precision extrusions. This allows them to better serve customers in the electronics, computer, and medical industries.

 

In 2019, Taber announced their their new friction-stir welding further serving marine, defense, and infrastructure sectors. More recently, Taber added a new Haas VF-12 CNC Machine to its operations. Taber evolves to meet the client’s needs, providing the Shape of Endless Possibilities.

 

Press Contact: Chad Fishback, (806)724-6954, https://taberextrusions.com/

15 05, 2018

Hard and Soft Alloys for Aerospace and Firearms

2018-05-22T17:21:02+00:00May 15th, 2018|

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

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

Taber serves both relatively small and large firearm manufacturers, establishing unique profiles for each customer. Customers have the option of requesting custom shapes with unique specifications or purchasing from  Taber’s existing inventory.

To highlight some of the company’s services: Taber offers custom extrusions to be used in the manufacturing of AR-15 variant rifles.  The aluminum alloys used for these shapes are the same as those used in military grade jets. Taber can provide both oversized extrusions as well as shapated that are as small as 1 millimeter for manufacturing firearms.

Taber’s resumé includes service to all the major aerospace manufacturers in the U.S. The extruded shapes provided by Taber are used for important components of aerospace vehicles, including the fuselage/pressure cabin, seat/cargo tracks, lower and upper horizontal stabilization, and upper and lower wing skin/spars/stringers.  Another unique service offered by Taber, that is applicable to the aerospace industry, is large press, hard alloy extrusions.

With unique capabilities and decades of experience, Taber is the go-to company for all of your extrusion needs.

Contact Taber today: (888)-985-0763.

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