Extruding
From DDL Wiki
Metal Extrusion
1. Definition- What & How:
Extrusion is a manufacturing process conceptually similar to the action of squeezing the toothpaste out of its container(as shown in Image 1A). Basically, the process involves having a piece of metal feedstock forced through the die to generate the desired shape( as shown in Image 1B & 1c). The resulting products( as shown in Image 1D) can be made through either continuous or semi-continuous approach depending on the size/shape.
Image 1A:
Image 1B:
Image 1C:
Image 1D:
2. Materials, Size, Shape, Precision:
Materials: Extrusion is generally used with various metals, polymers, and ceramics.
Size: Depending on the machines, extrusion process can generate products sizing from wood screws to construction beams.
Shape: Similar to size, extrusion can generate a variety of 3-D objects with different dies. *Refer to Image 1D for shapes*
Precision: Generally, Extrusion is not the most precise manufacturing process since it is mainly designed to mass produce.
3. Design:
When encountering certain parts of the design that have complicated cross section, providing that absolute precision is not imminent, it is generally cheapest and quickest to use Extrusion instead of other method of manufacturing to create the parts.
4. Cost:
Objects made from Extrusion require less post-production cost since they generally have greater strength and performance. In addition, object with different shapes can be made from the same equipment with different dies, which also cuts down the cost of capital. Generally, the more complicated of the shape, the more expensive the process becomes. Also, bigger objects would require a more powerful (therefore expensive) machine.
