The extrusion process produces solid, semi-hollow and hollow shapes with dimensional accuracy and excellent surface quality. Press size determines how large an extrusion can be, so extruded parts can range in size from one millimeter to several feet long.
Hydro Extrusion's Portland facility is well-equipped with a technical design center, extensive fabrication capabilities, and the following sizes of extrusion presses:
- 550 ton (2.5"-4.5") (hard alloy and tight tolerances)
- 1,400 ton (5")
- 1,800 ton (7")
- 2,000 ton (7")
- 2,000 ton (8")
- 2,500 ton (9")
- 3,000 ton (10")
From standard and custom extrusions that require basic procedures (such as precision cutting, drilling, tapping or punching) to fully finished components and assemblies, we can reduce your costs and cycle times with value-added fabrication services that provide a complete solution that’s ready to ship or insert into a production line. Services include die manufacturing, CNC machining, MIG, TIG and robotic welding, sulfuric acid anodizing (Class I, II, III Clear) up to 31', Electrolytically Deposited Color (champagne to black) up to 29', and more.
Beneficial Properties of Aluminum
Extrusion profiles are indispensible in virtually all commercial, industrial and consumer markets due to the many unique properties of aluminum, such as:
- Lightweight:
Aluminum weighs only about 30% as much as an equal volume of steel, copper or brass. - Strength:
Some alloys are as strong as medium-grade steel, and aluminum has a higher strength to weight ratio than any other metal.
Alloys. Combining aluminum with small amounts of other metals, such as copper, magnesium, silicon, and manganese, enhances its usefulness. - Malleable:
Other metals require assembling multiple pieces to create a final product. Aluminum is easily shaped and extruded into single components. - Joinable:
luminum can be joined by a variety of methods, such as fusion and resistant welding, soldering, brazing, riveting, bolting and adhesive bonding. - Machinable:
Most alloys are easy and cost-effective to cut, shape, grind and drill. - Natural beauty:
The metal is beautiful in its natural state, but can be polished, brushed, acid etched, painted, anodized, coated, etc. - Corrosion resistant:
The layer of aluminum oxide that forms naturally on its surface provides protection from the corrosive effects of salt, water and other substances that cause steel to rust. - Conducts heat:
It can quickly and evenly spread heat or cooling energy, making it ideal for cookware. - Conducts electricity:
Aluminum has twice the conductivity of an equal weight of copper, making it very useful in electrical/telephone wiring and light bulbs. - Non-toxic:
This property makes aluminum ideal for packing food and beverage products. - Recyclability:
Aluminum is 100% recyclable into new products.
For aluminum extrusions in Oregon, including Portland, Eugene, Salem, Bend, Medford, Corvallis and throughout the Pacific Northwest, and for engineering, design, fabrication, finishing and marketing services that will take your product from concept to completion, get in touch with Hydro Extrusion for standard and custom solutions.