Introduction:
Table of Contents
Aluminum extrusion is a highly versatile manufacturing process that is widely used in the production of a variety of aluminum products. This process involves the shaping of aluminum billets or logs by forcing them through a die to form a desired shape. The resulting extruded aluminum products can be further processed to create a wide range of finished goods, including frames, rails, tubing, and more.
However, to fully understand the aluminum extrusion process, it is important to be familiar with the terminology associated with it. In this article, we will discuss some of the key terms related to aluminum extrusion, with a particular focus on 7075 aluminum extrusion.
Aluminum Extrusion Terminology:
Billet:
A billet is a solid block of aluminum that is used as the starting material for the extrusion process. Billets are typically cylindrical in shape and can vary in size and weight depending on the desired end product.
Extrusion:
Extrusion is the process of shaping aluminum billets by forcing them through a die. The die is a specialized tool that is used to create a specific shape, such as a tube, bar, or profile.
Die:
A die is a specialized tool that is used to shape aluminum billets during the extrusion process. Dies are typically made of hardened steel and are custom-designed for each specific extrusion job.
Profile:
A profile is the final shape of the aluminum product after it has been extruded. Profiles can be custom-designed to meet the specific needs of each individual project.
Hardening:
Hardening is a process used to increase the strength of the extruded aluminum product. This is typically achieved through heat treatment or cold working.
Alloy:
An alloy is a mixture of two or more metals. Aluminum alloys are commonly used in the extrusion process to achieve specific properties, such as increased strength, durability, or corrosion resistance.
7075 Aluminum:
7075 aluminum is a high-strength alloy that is commonly used in aerospace and other high-performance applications. This alloy has an excellent strength-to-weight ratio, making it ideal for applications where weight is a concern.
Temper:
The temper of an aluminum product refers to its level of hardness or malleability. Different temper designations are used to indicate the specific properties of the aluminum product, such as its hardness, ductility, or formability.
T6 Temper:
The T6 temper designation is used to indicate that an aluminum product has been heat-treated to achieve a specific level of hardness. This temper designation is commonly used for 7075 aluminum extrusion, as it provides excellent strength and durability.
Anodizing:
Anodizing is a process used to create a protective oxide layer on the surface of the extruded aluminum product. This layer provides increased corrosion resistance and can also be used to add color or other decorative elements to the finished product.
7075 Aluminum Extrusion:
7075 aluminum extrusion is a specialized process that is used to create high-strength, lightweight products for aerospace and other high-performance applications. This process typically involves the use of custom-designed dies and a T6 temper designation to achieve the desired level of strength and durability.
One of the key benefits of 7075 aluminum extrusion is its excellent strength-to-weight ratio. This makes it an ideal choice for applications where weight is a concern, such as in aircraft and spacecraft components. Additionally, the T6 temper designation used in 7075 aluminum extrusion provides excellent hardness and durability, making it ideal for use in high-stress environments.
Conclusion:
Aluminum extrusion is a highly versatile manufacturing process that offers many benefits, including the ability to create custom-designed shapes and profiles with excellent strength-to-weight ratios. Understanding the terminology associated with aluminum extrusion is essential to successfully navigate the process and produce high-quality products.
7075 aluminum extrusion is a specialized application of this process that is commonly used in high-performance applications, such as aerospace, sporting goods, and automotive parts. Its excellent strength-to-weight ratio, combined with its corrosion resistance, make it an ideal choice for these demanding applications.
While 7075 aluminum extrusion presents some challenges due to its high strength and hardness, the benefits of using this alloy for specific applications make it a highly desirable choice for manufacturers. By working with experienced extruders and using specialized equipment and processes, high-quality extruded products can be created from 7075 aluminum alloy.
