As extrusion remains the pivot of aluminum product manufacturing, there are concerns over how much pressure is involved. Normally, we see extruders being rated somewhere around 600- 20,000T. So, what do these figures symbolize? Are they pressure ranges or just random numbers assigned to the extruders? Join us as we answer your question in depth below.

The Extrusion Press Limits and How It Factors into Extrusion Pressure

Now, it costs you a malleable aluminum billet loaded into an extrusion press, eagerly awaiting transformation. The action here is all thanks to the hydraulic ram, which flexes about 17,000 tons of pressure on the billet. Well, at least that’s the pressure range for most extrusion. But pressure can go higher if you have an extruder within the range of 600 -20000T.

In essence, it depends on your desired profile and the press.   For instance, hot extrusion Pressure ranges may fall between 30 to 700 megapascals (MPa), while Cold Extrusion takes on 14 to 35 megapascals (MPa). As for Hydrostatic Extrusion, it uses more than 700 megapascals (MPa). Lastly, Squeeze Casting is within the 100 to 350 megapascals (MPa) pressure range.

Heat and Aluminum

Aluminum melts at 1,220°F so you have to heat the billets to be within 700°F – 930°F (500°C). Extrusion starts immediately, and the press ram initiates its relentless pressure on the billet within the container.

These hydraulic presses are neither slouch, as they are within 100 to about 20,000 tons of pressure. But you have to understand if your extruder allows you to go past 20,000 tons, you can have at it.

Sizing Up Pressure to Your Extrusions

Unfortunately, there is no one-size-fits-all pressure for aluminum extrusions. It’s not fixed at 60 to 80 kg/mm² across the board, as some people say. This specific pressure is figured out by dividing the force applied by the press by the area inside the container cavity.

You have to remember that the actual specific pressure can change a lot depending on what you’re extruding, the design of the equipment, and what you want the final product to look like.

The Common Types of Extrusion and Its Pressure Tange

Hot extrusion, which involves the aluminum being subjected to over 375°C) to enable easy malleability, is the commonest type of extrusion. Here, a hydraulic or mechanical press forces the heated material through a die. It mostly produces such bars, rods, tubes, and complex cross-sectional shapes.

However, it is done on horizontally placed hydraulic press within the 240 to 12,000 metric tons range. So, you can expect the pressure levels to vary from 35 to 7500 MPa. Still, it could be smoother. You need to use lubrication, the old oil or the shimmering allure of graphite when dealing fewer hot extrusions, or powdered glass for extreme temperature requirements.

The Costly Dilemma

Ultimately, the extrusion pressure is about 15000 tons. But it helps if your extruder press allows you up to 20,000 tons. Considering the costs of the lubrication, power, labor, and maintenance, you would need a press that’s accurate and speedy, 0.1mm, so you can avoid ending up with reject extrusions that can be costly.

This is the part where we can advise you to check out Wangeshi to get the best deal for your money and smooth extrusion in the long run!