Recently, the automotive industry is pushing towards reducing the vehicle’s weight. The move has led to a search for more materials that could comply with the regulations as well answer the strong demand from the consumers. This is where aluminum extrusion comes in.
Aluminum becomes the material of choice as it can replace the high-strength steel in the body structure. Many outsourcing companies are now supplying the auto-industry with aluminum extrusions to manufacture vehicle parts.
To better understand what we are talking about, this article will explain what aluminum extrusion is and how it is being used in the automotive industry.
What is Aluminum Extrusion?
The aluminum extrusion process involves shaping a material, here it’s aluminum, by forcing it to form through a shaped opening in a die. As a result, the extruded material takes the shape of the die opening. to illustrate, try imagining a child’s toy called Play-Doh Fun Factory and how it works.
The kiddie machine is the extrusion press, the handle is the ram, and the shape bar is the die. Your clay is the aluminum billet. The process begins by choosing the shape of the die, then the aluminum billet is inserted into the holding chamber, and pressure is applied on the handle, forcing the aluminum to pass through the shape. When the aluminum emerges, the extrusion process ends.
In aluminum extrusion, the press size will determine the size of the extruded aluminum. The most important factor in this process is the temperature as it gives the material its desired finish and hardness.
The Automobile Industry and Aluminum Extrusion
The demand for slim-down electric vehicles has put aluminum extrusion in the spotlight. Since there is a lighter combustion-engine, the high-strength aluminum provides a lightweight material, without sacrificing the performance and aesthetics of the vehicles.
What makes designers and engineers favor aluminum extrusion is due to the following reasons:
- Weight Savings – With aluminum extrusion, designers and engineers can maximize the material for lesser weight and manage the application of better energy absorption and the requirements for crash management. The material contributes to meet the requirements for fuel economy too as it removes 40% of the body weight if compared with steel.
- Vehicle Safety – Aside from weight savings, the use of aluminum extrusion can increase the safety of the vehicle. The aluminum alloy can deliver reduced weight, high-yield strength, and improve crash performance.
- Fuel Economy – as mentioned, the use of aluminum and aluminum extrusions can improve fuel economy. It is used in hang-on parts, doors, hoods, bumpers, and many other sundry parts.
- Thermal Conductivity – It delivers distinct advantages that can also solve the thermal challenges facing designers and engineers due to its high thermal conductivity. The material removes the heat from the vehicle and provides thermal support for electric battery parts, LED lighting systems, and other parts of the vehicle.
Today, manufacturers can produce extruded solutions for many applications. However, the most important industry it serves is the automotive industry. It helps automakers meet the various regulatory and design requirements that other techniques cannot do.