Custom aluminum extrusions save you time and money. Sound cliché? Perhaps, but a quick look at the process shows that custom aluminum extrusions can indeed result in a reduction in manufacturing steps, lead times and the overall cost.
First, a definition: The custom aluminum extrusion process involves the creation of complex designs that are uniform across the full length of the metal. The shape, uniform in cross section and long in relation to its cross section, results from applying pressure to force aluminum through a die orifice. Shaping metal into a continuous form by forcing it through a die or specific shape.
Custom extrusions can be created with a wide variety of aluminum grades and designed and produced to close tolerances with a wide range of finishes. The end uses involve machining, joining, drilling, punching, bending, assembly, welding, notching, miter cutting and cut-to-length.
Let’s compare two similar parts—one joined and one extruded—based on the image below:
With the joined product, this could be made up of about five different parts. Worst-case scenario involves you dealing with five different suppliers, all of which are producing in different sizes and with different lead times.
Now imagine this was one extruded piece. That means one custom shape from one supplier, designed directly to your specifications. Right away, that reduces your number of SKUs and adds a layer of predictability in that the custom aluminum extrusion process creates an aluminum cross-section much closer to the final shape of your part. You’ve now reduced the overall lead time, as well as the number of steps in the process.
One of the key benefits to the extrusion process is that it reduces the purchase weight and amount of machining necessary to bring it to its finished size.
When breaking down the value of a custom aluminum extrusion, it ultimately does come down to a savings of both time and money. More specifically, you have:
- Faster manufacturing, with less material waste
- Consistency in product
- Proprietary control over your design
Custom extrusions can be created with a wide variety of aluminum grades and designed and produced to close tolerances with a range of different finishes. Check out the stock of aluminum products, which includes aluminum sheet, aluminum plate, aluminum tubing, aluminum square tubing, aluminum bar stock and more.
