How Does Aluminium Extrusion Work?

Aluminium extrusion is a manufacturing process where heated aluminium is pushed through a shaped die to create a continuous profile.

Based on the provided reference, the core process involves several key steps and components:

The Aluminium Extrusion Process

Here's how aluminium extrusion works according to the information:

Heating the Billet: First, the billet, which is a solid piece of aluminium, is heated. This heated aluminium billet is then placed into a heated walled container.
Forcing Through the Die: A moving ram is used to apply significant force, pushing the heated metal from the container through the die. The die has an opening shaped like the desired final product profile.
Pressure and Assistance: During this step, a very high amount of pressure is produced. To assist in the process, machinists often place blocks of materials between the billet and the ram.

This process effectively squeezes the soft, heated aluminium through the die opening, forming it into the required cross-sectional shape.

Understanding the main components helps grasp the process:

Billet: The raw, solid block of aluminium that is heated.
Heated Walled Container: A chamber or cylinder that holds the heated billet.
Ram: A hydraulic or mechanical component that applies force to push the billet.
Die: A tool with a shaped opening that the aluminium is forced through, determining the final shape.
Blocks of Materials: Used between the billet and ram, likely to protect the ram or ensure even pressure.

The high pressure is essential to deform the heated aluminium and force it through the restrictive die opening.