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There are a lot of leading aluminum extrusion manufacturers in the industry, include some companies has twenty-four years of experience in extrusions and other forms of fabrication. In this post, we look at aluminum fabrication and extrusions, and find some good extruded profile manufacturers.

Essential things you should know as a beginner in aluminum extrusions

Below are some terms you should understand before getting into the aluminum extrusions market;

What is aluminum extrusion?

Aluminum extrusions are a process where a piece of aluminum is forced around or through a die. The die can either be open or closed. Forcing the metal through the die causes it to conform to the shape and size of the die. Aluminum extrusions are one of the most common methods of aluminum fabrication.

What is fabrication?

In simple terms, fabrication is the process of transforming something from raw material or semi-finished state to a state where it is ready for use. It can also be described as the process of making something from scratch. Fabrication is the opposite of assembling most of the time, where it uses a single raw material. The raw material is typically a metal. Metal fabrication typically involves processes like cutting, molding, and shaping. One of the most popularly applied metals in this process is aluminum.

What is aluminum fabrication?

Aluminum fabrication is the technique of shaping the raw metal into a finished product, depending on the area of application. There are various techniques of aluminum fabrications. The most common ones are welding, stamping, shearing, bending, and aluminum extrusions.

Typical metals used in the fabrication process

Other than aluminum, several different types of metals can be applied in the process of fabrication. The most common ones are brass, copper, gold, iron, silver, and titanium, to name a few. More often than not, fabrication starts with the use of stock metal components. Sheet metal, metal rods, bars, and billets are the most popular stock metal components.

Why is aluminum a popular metal used in fabrication?

The popularity of aluminum can be attributed to its unique properties. For instance, it is one of the most lightweight types of metals on the market. Its weight is equivalent to a third of the total weight of iron and stainless steel. In addition to its light characteristic, aluminum also has a high strength-to-weight ratio.

Other than these two properties, aluminum’s comparative softness, corrosion resistance, and ability to be recycled or reused are also reasons for its popularity in fabrication. It is also quite popular for making food preparation machinery because of its non-toxicity. Note that all these unique characteristics make aluminum one of the most highly applied materials in a wide range of industries.

Final word

Aluminum can be fabricated using a wide range of techniques. The most common procedure is aluminum extrusions. Others include drawing, forming, casting, forging, and machining. Note that specific methods are more applicable than others. This is because some work better than others.

What is CNC machining?

Computer numerical control (CNC) is an efficient technique of manufacturing that employs the use of pre-programmed computers and machines to accurately design an array of items, parts, and materials. CNC machining is used to manufacture parts and items with minimal human intervention. The machines used for manufacturing with CNC machining include CNC Mills, lathes, plasma cutters, etc.

Materials that are compatible with CNC Machining

It should be noted that CNC machining cannot be used for materials that are too soft or hard such as silicone, rubber, and ceramics. It is used for a wide range of metals and plastics such as Nylon, brass, aluminum, and copper. It can also be used for fiberglass, wood amongst others.

Things that can be made with CNC

Most of our everyday items are made with CNC machining. This is because of the high-level accuracy of CNC machines when programmed properly and when the materials that are used are compatible with CNC machines.

It is highly used by manufacturers who need to produce a large volume of products in a relatively short time that needs to be mathematically accurate. The precision and speed of CNC machining make its usage popular in various intrinsic sectors of the economy of countries such as aerospace, automobile, healthcare, and security agencies.

Generally speaking, items manufactured by CNC machining include automobile parts, aerospace parts, and paintball guns, military and navy materials. It should be noted that the products or items that can be made with CNC machining depend on the CNC machines or processes that are used.

Items that can be made through CNC turing

CNC Turning is done with a CNC lathe. This method can be used to process various cylindrical shapes such as a slanted cylinder, linear cylinder, etc. it can also be used to process hyperboloids, threads, worms, and groove.

Items that can be made through CNC milling

CNC Milling is done with a CNC milling machine. It is used for processing shell parts, planes, and curved surfaces. Items that can be made with CNC milling include propellers, connecting rods, etc.

Things that can’t be made with CNC machining

Although most things can be made through CNC machining, it is not without its shortcomings. There are a lot of parts that cannot be made with CNC machining. They include:-

• Items with thin walls

CNC machining cannot be used for parts with thin walls because they are likely to be broken or cracked during the process. Thin-walled items can also cause them to vibrate which will affect the accuracy of the manufacturing process

• Items with cutouts

CNC machines cannot be used to make items that have cutouts in certain areas (such as on the inner walls of their parts). This is so because the machines cannot get to those parts

• Items with deep holes

CNC machining cannot be used for manufacturing parts with holes that are too deep. This is because CNC machines work best when they are drilling holes that are not more than 3 times their diameter.

• Items with internal vertical corners

Due to the shape of most CNC machines, internal vertical corners cannot be made.

Final words

CNC machining has a lot of utility especially as regards the manufacturing of items and the growth of micro and macro economies. This paper has laid out the utility and shortcomings of this process to give wide knowledge on the subject.

Are you shopping around for a laser cleaning machine? Whether you need a manual handheld laser cleaning machine or an automated one, experts in the industry can help you choose the right device depending on your needs. These machines are designed to remove paint, rust, coupled with other contaminants from metallic surfaces. They can also enhance the look on the surface while improving adhesion upon laser texturing.

You can successfully operate a high-quality laser cleaning machine with minimal to no maintenance for roughly 15 years. Over and above, keeping with the machine’s time requirements will be easy as it is fed by a powerful laser cleaning system of about 400 watts.

1. Manual Laser Cleaning Machines

This new generation product relies on high technology for surface cleaning of different materials. It is easily set up and operated. There is no need for chemistry or other media as the machine is easily applicable in removing resin, stains, and dirt in just a matter of time.

For this handheld machine, the operator can also run an easy-to-operate Class-1 certified workstation where parts are loaded before laser cleaning begins. The auto device targets stubborn stains on the surface that needs cleaning. It then leaves behind a rust-free metal surface.

2. Automated Laser Cleaning Machines

A fully automated laser cleaning machine is suitable for the production of high volumes lines. The device works by getting rid of the usual manual industrial labor, which is time-wasting and involving. That way, you can get a huge ROI.

That said, you can automate the machine’s conveyor system to clean different parts accurately while managing the positioning variations. By combining an advanced autofocusing system with a robot arm, the device will use high precision to clean challenging parts.

3. Handheld Laser Cleaning Machines

As the name suggests, a handheld laser cleaning machine is just that; held by the hand during operation. Note, the simple to operate compact design machine was intended for applications that require no maintenance. It delivers a high-quality diffraction-limited beam to the worksite through a metallic fiber cable.

Verdict

The three types of lasers come with a cleaning head designed to deflect the laser beam position. Besides, spot sizes with big image fields can easily get achieved under stable operating conditions.

But then again, these machines also come with differences in their make. For instance, the automated one is large and ideal for voluminous production lines, making it a preferred industrial cleaning choice.

On the other hand, a handheld laser cleaning machine is small and easy to operate. These features make it ideal for cleaning surfaces in shorter production lines.

Then, there is the handheld laser cleaning machine that makes cleaning of surfaces challenging. It may not be ideal for involving tasks.

Either way, the three machine types can remove rust and other contaminants from metallic surfaces. Therefore, these factors should be considered when choosing a laser cleaning machine.

Final Thoughts

Laser cleaning machines allow you to automate operations and improve repeatability while cutting down the total number of operators in a store. It is the way to go in industrial procedures and processes.

If you want to know about the plastic machining process, you’ve come to the right place! I’m ready to take you on a beautiful ride.

This process begins when the machining center operates with the 3D files. How does it work?

This equipment aims to carve the part in 3D, so it directly in a block made of plastic. When the production is done, that part that was carved will get surface treatments to work on any defects that may smear it.

Then, it is given to quality control professional that check certain criteria and ensure that it not only appears appropriately but also conforms to environmental and industrial regulations.

It is then submitted to the client.

The process is that simple.

Now, you may be asking what fabrication equipment is needed in plastic machining?

Good question.

Fabrication Tools Applied in Plastic Machining

It depends on the buyer and producer. For the buyer, it depends on how fast he/she wants the job done, how fast the job needs to be, and the precision needed. For the producer, it depends on the size of the workplace and the skill versatility.

Most industrial scale companies have more than 4 machining centers and at least 1 lathe. This helps them to perform projects simultaneously without requiring more skilled personnel. It also helps them take very large jobs.

Furthermore, most of these large-scale companies have large warehouses for storage, so that they can use spare parts in case there is a delay in equipment delivery.

When the production is done, they need to check certain things for quality control. These tools include micrometers and calipers, used to observe elements like shore degrees and dimensions. For a neat and exquisite finishing, glossy paint is applied on the surface, and certain parts are also painted.

Finally, certain software applications are required for the fabrication process, so that the producers can be able to read design and industrial structures/formats (for instance- igs, step, stp, stl, dwg).

Now that you know how plastic machining works and the fabrication tools needed in the process, let’s take a look at the techniques now, shall we?

The Techniques Used in Plastic Machining

In CNC, different techniques can be used to get unique and specific shapes. Note that each technique uses a particular type of machine and has its unique production process.

What are these techniques? Some include:

Milling:
A milling cutter, for instance- an endmill, is used in this process. The milling cutter goes in either a vertical or horizontal movement.

Drilling:
Most people know what drilling is. It is simply hammering a drill bit into a part of the wall.

Turning:
The prototype is the least complicated machining techniques. It involves a cutting tool moving in such a way that it is parallel to the axis of rotation. However, the plastic part keeps rotating.

In plastic machining, you must observe the 3D files. Get their analysis, because this shows the needed information about how feasible the project will be, and how much it will cost.  

Critical Edge, Inc. is a family-owned firm established in 2006 with annual sales of $3,500,000. Today they have 4 workers making the Pivotal Edge Cover, which fits onto the manholes on top of storage tank trailers. The covers can be opened and also closed from the ground, providing safe as well as much more effective filling for chauffeurs. By maintaining vehicle drivers off of platforms, ladders, and the tops of vehicles, packing times are decreased; speeding up cycle times. On average 10 mins can be saved money on each loading cycle. Without needing to climb elevations so frequently, it minimizes vehicle driver tiredness; making the roads much safer. In addition, it is a durable product that is quickly repairable with very little devices, so it’s excellent for the motorists who are frequently operating in remote places. In order to regulate expenses and guarantee premium quality components, Pivotal Edge produces most items internal.
Critical Edge wished to export to added nations. Their vital challenges were: 1) transportation/customs, 2) accreditation for stress vessels, 3) language/translation of technical records. As an ISO company, Pivotal Edge Inc. markets the only ASTM-certified manhole cover operated from the ground to the dry mass transportation industry. The obstacle is to enhance customer understanding of the product.

Jay Beyer, Vice President of Pivotal Edge, took part in the ExporTech program held by Impact Dakota, part of the MEP National NetworkTM. He stated there were numerous actually great eliminate items for the Export Tech experience, in which 4 to eight non-competing firms participate in 3 workshops over the course of 10 weeks. During that time, the participants receive individualized mentoring, listen to and also gain from different speakers, and also eventually create their own workable export development plan. In the final session, the business each existing their strategy to a panel of knowledgeable global company individuals for responses. The research data was a prompt aid in recognizing prospective countries for Pivotal Edge to target offer for sale, but more crucial was the exposure to the procedure of that to connect to as the firm continues to establish.

Speaker Tim McCue from FedEx Logistics is the factor today many of Pivotal Edge’s deliveries are done utilizing the FedEx group. With manufacturing situated in North Dakota, transport is a large part of Pivotal Edge’s cost of doing business. ExportTech helped Pivotal Edge rise export sales from $167,000 in 2017 to $1.2 million in 2018 (Canadian sales not consisted of.).

Results.
Over $1,000,000 in raised sales.
$ 850,000 brand-new investment in machinery.
150% performance increase.
14% reduction in tiny package delivery prices.