When it comes time to select the materials that you will use to create industry parts, components or assemblies, it is important to think about how the product will be used, where it will be used and the function that you need to get out of it throughout its lifetime. One of the best choices for many industry applications is aluminum, due in large part to its high strength to weight ratio. There are many benefits of aluminum products, which is why they are used in many different industries. From hollow aluminum tubes to custom aluminum extrusion design, it is important to work with a facility that can provide you the results you need, while being able to meet your budget and schedule.
Custom Aluminum Coating Solutions
Another way to make your aluminum industry products even more customized is to add a finishing application after extrusion and fabrication. Custom aluminum coating solutions are available through Silver City Aluminum and are all done in-house at our one stop shop facility. The benefit of this is that we are able to maintain quality control over each and every order that we produce, from the initial design phase through extrusion, as well as any secondary operations and finishing. This not only produces better quality results, but it also helps to increase our lead time because we don’t outsource this work to other vendors.
Some of the different types of custom aluminum coating solutions you can add include:
- PAINTING – We utilize a two-step painting process, which includes a pre-wash phase that consists of four stages to properly prep your materials for quality adhesion, and then the actual application of electrostatic polycron paint. Our vertical application line can handle pieces, parts and products of up to twenty-one feet in length and we apply the paint coating at approximately 2ml’s wet in thickness. Each part is constantly monitored and checked by our team of highly trained and experienced technicians to ensure quality results and consistent color application throughout the process. Painted parts are then cured in our custom ovens through a special baking process. Several inspections occur after this phase to ensure quality control and consistent results for every order we produce.
- ANODIZING – Another popular choice is to have the hollow aluminum tubes and other custom aluminum extrusion design profiles anodized for further protection. This process can be done to both small and large pieces, as well as for short and large runs of parts, once the initial extrusion and fabrication process has been completed. A wide range of color options are available, including a clear coat anodizing process to keep the original look and enhance the benefits of aluminum products, as well as black anodizing, white anodizing or multi-color options, as well. A custom anodizing finish may also be added by request to enhance the texture and function of the finished product.
- POWDER-COATING – At Silver City Aluminum, we work with several different types of powder coaters to provide our clients with the finished look and function that they desire, according to their specifications. Doing this part of the fabrication process in-house helps us to increase lead time while providing top quality custom aluminum coating solutions to enhance the look and feel of the finished product. Choose from a wide range of color and style options, depending on your needs. The type of powder-coating or anodizers that are being used, as well as the size and design of the part that is being finished, will affect the actual lead time. Our team can provide you with an accurate scheduling estimate.
Aluminum Extrusion Design Process
When you choose to design custom aluminum products, parts, components or assemblies with Silver City Aluminum, it is important to have a basic understanding of the process that is involved. Choose from stock or standard profiles to create basic pieces like hollow aluminum tubes or angles, which can still be customized through secondary operations, finishing and custom cutting processes. You can also decide to get involved in custom aluminum extrusion design, which includes the creation of a brand new custom profile or die, which will be used to include any unique specifications required to create the parts that you desire.
After the die or profile has been chosen, the extrusion process can begin. This involves the use of high quality aluminum billets, which are heated up to a specific temperature before being pushed through the steel profile at ten million pounds of pressure to create your extrusions. At Silver City Aluminum, we use billets that are seven inches in diameter that are pre-cut to the appropriate size to minimize waste and reduce overall costs.
Once the aluminum profile has been extruded to the desired shape, it is cooled down on our 160 foot table. We have a maximum extrusion length of 30 feet, however those pieces can then be stretched while they are still warm into the perfect dimension, according to the client’s request. We use opposing stretchers to accomplish this and then we cut the metal according to the order before heat-treating it to harden the aluminum material to its maximum capacity for long-lasting, durable results.
Contact Silver City Aluminum
To learn more about the benefits of aluminum products or to explore the idea of aluminum extrusion design for hollow aluminum tubes or other custom shaped parts and products, contact Silver City Aluminum. Our team can provide you with a FREE estimate for your next project, go over ideas for designs and manufacturing methods with you, as well as discuss some other options that you may have not considered that will help you achieve your goals. Give us a call at 508-824-8631 and get started planning your next project today!