Profile design of extruded aluminium profiles

Manufacturing of extruded aluminium profiles

Extrusion is a process whereby profiles are moulded. The extrusion process resembles squeezing toothpaste out of a tube. The toothpaste is a heated, cylindrical aluminium block also called a billet while the toothpaste tube is the so-called tool. As you can see in the illustration, the billet (pre-heated in an induction furnace to 450-500 degrees Celsius) is pushed through the tool/die, at which the profile is brought to the desired shape.

When the profile leaves the tool, it is cooled with water or air, after which the profiles are drawn while they are still “soft”. This removes any tension build-up in the aluminium while the desired and correct profile dimensions are achieved. The profiles are then cut and afterwards given their final strength by being subjected either to heat and/or to cold hardening.

Many options and golden ground rules

There are many opportunities when it comes to profile design, but there are certain ground rules which should be taken into account to optimise the profile’s suitability for production. This way you will typically create the most suitable design solutions for your profile design.

The table below displays selected examples of extruded profiles with preferred design shapes. The table is simplified, which is why you should always contact us as early as possible during the concept phase.