What are the Aluminum Extrusion Manufacturing Process and Standards?

Aluminum extrusion is an efficient and eco-friendly manufacturing process that uses mechanical force to push heated aluminum billets through a die, forming aluminum extruded profiles with specific cross-sections. This process offers high production speed, while aluminum’s 100% recyclability and corrosion resistance make it widely used and highly favored in industrial manufacturing, construction, automotive lightweighting, and electronic devices.

Understanding the Aluminum Extrusion Manufacturing Process

The aluminum extrusion manufacturing process involves 6 key steps: billet heating, die design and preparation, extrusion, cooling and straightening, cutting, and optional surface treatment, followed by final inspection and packaging.

1. Billet Heating: The process begins with aluminum billets and cylindrical logs of aluminum alloy, heated to a temperature range of 400°C to 500°C. This softens the material, making it pliable for extrusion.
2. Die Design and Preparation: The die is a crucial component in aluminum extrusion, as it determines the final shape of the extruded profile. Designing and manufacturing dies require extreme precision; even the slightest imperfection can lead to product defects. JLCMC employs advanced die-making technology to ensure accuracy and durability while minimizing costs associated with die wear.
3. Extrusion: The heated billet is loaded into the extrusion press, where a hydraulic ram pushes the aluminum through the die, forming the desired cross-sectional profile. This step demands precise control over temperature, pressure, and speed to achieve the required shape and mechanical properties.
4. Cooling, Stretching, and Straightening: After extrusion, the aluminum extruded profiles undergo rapid cooling using air or water quenching. The profiles are then stretched to straighten them and align the grain structure, enhancing strength and dimensional stability.
5. Cutting: Once cooled and straightened, the aluminum extruded profiles are cut to the desired lengths and may undergo artificial aging (heat treatment) to further improve hardness and strength.
6. Surface Treatment: Finally, optional surface treatments such as anodizing, powder coating, or polishing are applied to enhance appearance, corrosion resistance, and durability.

What are the standards for aluminum extrusion?

The production of aluminum extruded products adheres to strict international standards to ensure quality, safety, and performance. Some of the most widely recognized standards include:

• ISO 9001: Quality management systems.
• ASTM B221: Standard specification for aluminum and aluminum-alloy extruded bars, rods, wire, profiles, and tubes.
• EN 755: European standards for aluminum and aluminum alloy extruded profiles.
• GB/T 5237: Chinese standards for architectural aluminum profiles.

These standards cover aspects such as dimensional tolerances, mechanical properties, surface quality, and testing methods. Compliance with these standards is non-negotiable for manufacturers aiming to deliver reliable and high-performance products.

What is JLCMC Customizable Aluminum Extrusion?

JLCMC stands out as a trusted partner in the aluminum extrusion industry, offering high-quality, customizable aluminum extruded products that meet diverse industrial needs. Excels in customizable aluminum extrusion through advanced die-making, precision manufacturing, and tailored solutions.

For more information on JLCMC’s aluminum extrusion capabilities and to explore customized solutions, visit JLCMC's official website. Discover how JLCMC can meet your specific requirements with precision-engineered aluminum extruded profiles.