The Extrusion Design and Performance Reliance Guide is intended to create a common forum and language so that aluminum extruders and their customers have a means to communicate the processing variables that affect key product characteristics of 6xxx-alloy profiles.

Step 1: Click on the link above.

Step 2: Select the market(s) for which the end product will be used, then Submit. You will see a list of aluminum extrusion characteristics sorted by the significance of its effect within the chosen market.

Step 3: Select the aluminum extrusion characteristic(s) that are of importance for the end product, then Submit. You will then see a list of associated process variables in order of significance based on the chosen characteristics you chose.

Extruders and their Customers

In many cases, when customers and suppliers of aluminum extrusions discuss cross-sectional design and alloy/temper, customers may need or expect additional performance characteristics that might be determined by process variables of which the customer may have limited knowledge or control.

Moreover, current alloy and temper designations alone do not always adequately describe all necessary product performance expectations. Consistent and reliable performance is important and achievable, as long as both parties know what to ask for and what to expect. The guide is intended to help extruders and customers communicate effectively and efficiently, without dictating process requirements to either.

Example
As an example, in North America, two-piece billets are not only applicable but cost-effective for fenestration products, although they would not be used in the production of certain end uses such as automotive brake parts.

Similarly, seamless tubing may be the process of choice for certain pressure applications, but a longitudinal seam weld ought to be fine for most structural applications.

Without a common forum and language, not all customers or extruders may focus on the process requirements for certain specific applications. By enabling both parties to communicate effectively on end use and associated processing considerations, the extruder and customer can be assured of an excellent fit between the needs of the product and the material being supplied.

The Extrusion Design and Performance Reliance Guide will help both extruders and customers ensure that appropriate product, processed in a manner fitting for the intended end use, has been properly selected.