How does aluminum extrusion work?

Aluminum extrusion is a process used by companies in Malaysia and other parts of the world to shape aluminum alloys into objects with a wide range of applications. Aluminum has excellent strength, stability, and high corrosion resistance. This process provides designers and engineers with an economically efficient production method that can be used to manufacture various building structures, support frames, vehicle parts, or daily home products.

How does aluminum extrusion work?

All aluminum extrusion companies in Malaysia use very similar processes, with only differences in details.

The process begins with loading the mold into the press. The mold is the core of the entire process, as it creates contours when aluminum is pushed in. The mold must be preheated to prevent aluminum from sticking to the mold wall and endangering extrusion.

The raw alloy is brought onto the press in the form of billets or aluminum logs, which are solid cylindrical bodies of aluminum alloy, measuring up to 22 feet in length and weighing over 22000 pounds. These logs come in many different diameters and alloys.

Then place the steel billets or logs into a heating furnace and heat the aluminum to around 900 degree. This temperature softens the metal until it reaches a ductile state while still maintaining its solid shape.