Using Aluminum Extruded Tubing
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By :
Ruca Martin
Submitted
2008-11-01 17:20:26 |
Extruded aluminum has come to the fore in the construction industry and elsewhere as an ideal material for many uses, being as it is extremely versatile and, at the same time, very cost effective and efficient.
In the extrusion process, aluminum is forced through a die by a specialist machine, producing a specified shape and form for use with a particular function. This shape can be tubular, if required, or open sided, and the method ensures a uniform finish along the entire length of the extrusion, and each and every individual piece.
Make your own design
There are many standard designs offered by manufacturers both in terms of tubing and otherwise but the real benefit of extruded aluminum is the ability to create a specific design at very little cost in comparison to the alternatives.
The reason for this is that a specific die for an aluminum extrusion will normally amount to a cost of a few hundred dollars, while the casting dies for other methods may be thousands. The aluminum extrusion die can also be re-used and has a lengthy shelf life, meaning further orders are significantly reduced in terms of relative cost.
Add to the above a very low wastage when extruding aluminum, and the cost advantages become even more apparent, and especially so when taking the properties of the metal into account.
Strong and light
Aluminum offers an impressive strength to weight ratio with copper weighing over twice as much, for instance and thus is easier to utilise in many instances. It can also be shaped and bent with ease the designer can choose a thickness that allows greater or lesser manipulation- and without the need for special tooling, Some very tight curves can be formed with extruded aluminum, adding to the versatility of the product.
Tubing made from extruded aluminum is particularly useful, being very versatile indeed, and with the added properties of excellent anti-corrosion resistance aluminum has a protective oxide coating to aid this feature the material becomes very attractive for use in tubing for construction.
Aluminum also lends itself to colouration, with different methods of colouring aluminum extrusions either chemical or electrical giving the metal a property all of its own, and adding interest and versatility to any project or design.
It is also well regarded for its ability to conduct electricity twice as efficiently as copper, for instance and also a natural ability to both conduct and reflect heat, leading it to be a popular choice of heat shield that is far more cost effective than using, for instance, gold and also just as effective.
Whether the need is for extruded aluminum for industrial use, or for part of a commercial project, the efficiency of both the method of extrusion and the properties of the material add greatly to the already evident attractions of this very useful material, and the ability to design and have made a specifically shaped tube or other extrusion at relatively little cost is sure to enhance the popularity in the future. |
Author Resource:-
http://www.alfiniti.com
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