Metal Extrusion Process Guide: How Aluminium and Steel Are Shaped

Metal Extrusion Process Guide: How Aluminium and Steel Are Shaped

Short answer: Extrusion forces heated billet through a die to make long profiles; billet heating sets flow, the die sets shape, quench and ageing set temper, and the alloy choice (mainly aluminium, some steel) decides strength, finish and cost.

At a Glance

Metal Extrusion Process Guide: How Aluminium and Steel Are Shaped chart
Figure 1 – Metal Extrusion Process Guide: How Aluminium and Steel Are Shaped overview.

Heating and Flow

A heated billet is pushed through the die, so temperature controls flow and press load; the alloy base is in our ¿Qué es la aleación de aluminio? and the families in our Aluminum Supplier, with the strength data in our Comparación de fuerzas.

Die, Shape and Speed

The die sets the profile and the press sets speed and tolerance; our Extrusion Profiles Guide shows common shapes, and our Tolerances Guide covers the limits you can hold.

Quench, Age and Temper

Quenching locks the grain and ageing sets temper (T5/T6); the temper system is in our Temper Designations and the alloy pick in our 6061 vs 7075 comparison.

Finish and Compare

Profiles can be anodized, coated or left mill, then compared against other processes; the finish side is in our Anodized Aluminum Guide and the steel option in our Stainless Steel Supplier.

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Tell HXSCO your requirements and we will respond with a competitive quote and lead time.

Preguntas frecuentes

What metals are extruded?

Mostly aluminium alloys; some steel and copper are extruded too.

What does quenching do?

It locks the grain so ageing can develop the temper.

What is T5 vs T6?

T6 is solution-heat-treated and aged; T5 is aged from press heat only.

How accurate is extrusion?

Good — tight tolerances on standard profiles, per our tolerances guide.

Can extrusions be finished?

Yes — anodized, powder-coated or left mill finish.

Order Extruded Profiles from HXSCO

HXSCO extrudes aluminium and steel profiles to your die and temper. Send the drawing and quantity for a quote.

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