Metal Extrusion Services

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STEP | STP | SLDPRT | IPT | PRT | SAT

Precision Capabilities

+/- .005mm Tolerences

Tolerances as precise as +/- .005mm on one or more dimensions of an extrusion, depending on its shape.

0.4 mm Walls

You can make walls as thin as 0.4 mm on one or more dimensions of an extrusion, depending on its the shape. 

1.2 mm Holes

Few extruders can handle 1.2mm holes with +/- 0.03mm tolerances, but many trust Partzcore with this challenge.

Functional

Electronic Comm

Partzcore excels in producing complex aluminum extrusion profiles like card guides, and housings, consistently meeting the strict tolerance demands of various industries.

Heat Exchange Devices

We’ve made hundreds of heat pipes, heat sinks, and header bars in all kinds of shapes. They often have complex geometries that require tight tolerances to work well

Component Carriers

Another area where we see tight tolerances is carriers for electronics and other industries. The parts are often tiny and are held in openings that must be held to 0.025cm accuracy.

Large Aluminum Extrusions

One way to measure the size of an extrusion is by the diameter of the smallest circle that will fit around its cross-section. This is called the circumscribing circle diameter (CCD). The CCD affects the cost of making the extrusion. Most standard profiles have a CCD of less than 12 inches. However, some extruders can make extrusions with a much larger CCD, up to 32 inches.

Aluminum Extrusions

About 80% of all extruded metal products are made from aluminum. It is used in many industries, has good mechanical properties, can be finished in various ways, and is very malleable, making it perfect for extrusion. Most aluminum alloys used for extrusion are light, don’t rust, and have good thermal and electrical conductivity. Each alloy has its own special features.

If you need stainless steel, brass, copper, or other metal extrusions, we’re happy to talk to you about them and see if we can help.

Extruded Aluminum Alloys Comparison

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Alloy Name

Aluminum 6061

Description

6061 is a versatile alloy that can be heat-treated to a variety of forms, including 6061-T6. It has two main alloying elements, magnesium and silicon, which give it very good strength, durability, and weldability.

Characteristics

High strength and toughness; Great corrosion resistance; Good fatigue resistance; Doesn’t respond as well to finishing; Heat treatable

Suitable Applications

Transportation components for automotive and marine environments

Extruded Aluminum Alloys Comparison

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Alloy Name

Aluminum 6063

Description

6063-T5 is an inexpensive heat-treatable alloy that has smaller grains than 6061 alloys. It is used more often for extrusions than 6061. It can make parts with thin walls and works well with finishing processes. As a result, it is often used for decorative purposes.

Characteristics

Responds well to finishing; Great corrosion resistance; Easily extruded and economical; Ideal for thin-wall applications; Relatively low strength; Heat treatable

Suitable Applications

Decorative trim, heat sinks, architectural components

Available Finishes

This finishing option is the fastest available. Parts may have visible tool marks and possibly sharp edges or burrs, removable on request. 

You can use sandblasting to peel paint, smooth out rust, take bumps and mars from stuff, and basically make things clean. Ironically, you can also sandblast things to scuff them up by etching the surface and give something a little bit of ‘tooth’ so that paint will stick better.

Type II anodizing enhances corrosion resistance. It allows parts to be colored in various shades like clear, black, red, and gold, typically for aluminum. Type III provides a thicker, wear-resistant layer as well as the corrosion resistance of Type II.

This process involves spraying powdered paint onto a part, which is then heated in an oven. The result is a tough, wear- and corrosion-resistant coating, more robust than traditional paint methods. A broad range of colors is available for achieving the desired look.

Plating involves coating a conductive surface with a thin metal layer. This method is often used to prevent corrosion, enhance durability, modify surface friction, and boost aesthetics.

Can't find the finish you require? Send us an RFQ, and we'll explore a finishing solution for you.

 
 
 

Good Aluminum Extrusion Design Practices

1. Balanced walls
2. Generous tapers
3. Avoid/minimize hollows
4. Use grooves, webs, and ribs
5. Minimize perimeter/cross-section ratio
6. Practice symmetry/minimize asymmetrical detail

You’ve got enough worries, let us take care of your parts.

QC will verify that the part material, features, and finish are in accordance with the part requirements specified in the PDF file, CAD file, and/or STEP file.

QC will conduct an examination using precise instruments to document every dimension, attribute, positional measurement, and specification as outlined in our Statistical Sampling Strategy.

QC will conduct a thorough inspection using a Coordinate Measurement Machine (CMM). This will document all dimensions, attributes, locations, and notes in accordance with our Statistical Sampling Plan.

The First Article Inspection aims to confirm that all engineering designs and specifications are fully understood, addressed, verified, and recorded. QC will keep a detailed quality log for customer oversight of responsibilities and planning. This includes conducting regular checks and audits to ensure compliance, assessing the root causes and corrective measures for any discrepancies, and investigating issues.

If your part needs additional inspections, such as Non-Destructive Testing, Serialization, Custom Sampling Plan, or if you want to use your own inspection datasheet, please let us know.

Metal Extrusion Advantages and Disadvantages

Advantages of Metal Extrusion
Dimensional Accuracy and Stability
Modern extrusion presses and methods create precise extruded shapes that are strong and maintain their dimensions. This process works well for both brittle and flexible materials.
Low Part Cost
By designing carefully, extruded frames and housings can replace multi-part assemblies. High production volume is also easy and cost-effective.
Lower Tooling Cost
The simplicity of the extrusion process results in tooling costs that are 80-90% lower than those of injection molding or die casting.
Part Complexity
Extrusion is ideal for making parts with complex shapes, including features like undercuts, T-slots, and grooves.
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Disadvantages of Metal Extrusion
Initial Setup Cost
Besides the cost of the extrusions, there are also expenses for creating the dies and tooling. These expenses are covered by tooling and setup fees.
Design Limitations
While the process allows for complex shapes, it can limit design flexibility. This is because the cross-section of the extrusion must stay the same. Features like countersunk holes, pockets, or bosses cannot be extruded and will need extra machining steps.
Lead Times
Creating and refining dies can take weeks. As a result, the lead time for the first parts is usually four to six weeks.
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Provide Customized Solutions

Contact Partzcore to get a free quote and expert advice on custom metal parts. Our team will provide the right solution for your project.

Tell Us What You Need

Please share your specific needs with us, including drawings, reference images, and your ideas, so we can turn them into reality.

Professional Team

We will analyze your requirements and drawings to provide the optimal solution, along with a detailed quote within 24 hours.

Approve for Mass Production

Upon receiving your approval and deposit, we will proceed with mass production and manage the shipping process.

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Do You Need Help With Metal Parts?

Ask For A Quick Quote

Contact Partzcore (sales@partzcore.com) to get a free quote and expert advice on custom metal parts. Our team will provide the right solution for your project.