Compared to other materials, aluminum is extremely adaptable. Achieving this level of functionality would be impossible without the presence of a diverse range of manufacturing techniques. The methods of drawing and extruding aluminum are the most widely used for aluminum shaping.

Each process involves using a die or mold and follows the same production guidelines: aluminum is shaped into a billet and then cut to the desired length. Nevertheless, the similarities between them are largely superficial. Extruded aluminum, as opposed to drawn aluminium tubing, has its own set of characteristics and qualities that can be beneficial to your company.

Are there any considerations you should keep in mind when submitting an RFQ for your next aluminum project, whether it is drawn or extruded? A list of questions and answers laying out the benefits, drawbacks, and main differences between the two methods has been compiled for your convenience to ensure that you receive the most appropriate solution.

What is the procedure for drawing aluminum?
Because of the heat used to shape aluminum, it is necessary to use a mold or die cavity to achieve the final shape. Drawn aluminum is similar to cast aluminum, with one important distinction: it is subject to plastic deformation during the drawing process.

When aluminum is forced through a die, it is stretched out to take on the shape of the desired part, and then pushed through a second die, a process known as cold drawing or cold working, as shown in the illustration. Precisely, plastic deformation is the ability of a material to permanently deform as a result of compressional, bending, or torsion stresses. When you reach this stage of the process, you'll have determined the final dimensions of your product.

With regards to extruded aluminum, which products are the most effective?
The best results are obtained when using drawn aluminium tube to manufacture small, detailed, and round parts. The ability to shape various applications such as brackets, tubing, doors, window frames, railing and many more is a significant advantage of extruded aluminum over other materials.

Which process is the better deal when it comes to costs and benefits?
A more complex process, cold drawing requires a large number of different tools and materials to ensure that the drawn aluminum process is completed successfully, as opposed to hot drawing. Aluminum extrusion allows for more efficient manufacturing while using less expensive tooling and generating less waste material. As a general rule, extruded aluminum will cost less than drawn aluminum in most cases. It all depends on the shape you are attempting to create, though.

With drawn aluminum, what applications are the most effective?
Drawn aluminum is ideal for products with intricate or circular shapes, such as cans, tubes, pots, and pans; it is also ideal for products with tight tolerances and thin walls, ensuring structural integrity and predictable performance under pressure.

Is it possible that drawn aluminum tubing has flaws?
Prior to beginning the process, it is critical to understand the plasticity of aluminum. This cannot be overstated. Using too much force on the material causes it to become brittle and fragile, and eventually it tears. When working with drawn aluminum, it is important to consider the aluminum grade, alloying elements, and reinforcement process.

In what way is extruded aluminum different from other types of aluminum.
Putting aluminum through a shaped opening in a die or mold and forcing it out the other side results in the final product having the desired shape and size. Make mental images of modeling clay for kids to help you visualize the procedure. An assortment of molds and profiles are included in the shape tool kit. To make extruded aluminum, choose a specific profile, then push the clay through a hole that has been specially shaped to produce the desired shape.

Is there a difference between the aluminum extrusion process and the drawing process?
Heating the aluminum material to a high temperature before extruding it is the first step in the extruded aluminum method. Aluminum is forced through the die when it has become soft and malleable. The temperature difference between extruded aluminum and drawn aluminum is significant. Cold drawing is used in drawn, which is conducted at room temperature rather than extremely high temperatures, as previously stated.

All of the most frequently asked questions about drawn and extruded aluminum have been addressed herein. Finished with your current aluminum project and ready to start a new one? Possibly you'd like to have a couple of additional questions answered. As a full-service aluminum extrusion provider, CHAL Aluminium Corporation offers turnkey solutions for any and all of your project requirements. Discuss how we can take your aluminum project to the next level with you this afternoon.