Stretch forming is a process where the material is deformed against a rigid part (which acts as the forming tool) while it is tightly clamped around the edges. The material is often deformed just beyond the elastic limit. There are different variants of this process.
Percussion extrusion involves exerting pressure on an aluminum pellet deposited in a matrix, which then forces the aluminum back into the free cavity between the die and the piston. For example, the aluminum containers used for aerosol cans are made with this process. In this particular case, an aluminum pellet is deposited in a matrix and crushed by a piston. The wall of the matrix will form the outer face of the bottle and the piston the inner face.
Extrusion
Extrusion is a process that produces long sections with complex sections. The main advantage of the extrusion is to be able to integrate different fireworks in a section, as well as to adjust the thickness of the walls according to the needs of rigidity or resistance. To produce an extrusion of aluminum, it is necessary to machine a matrix of the desired shape.
Subsequently, a cylindrical billet of aluminum alloy is heated from 800 ° F (427 ° C) to 925 ° F (496 ° C) before being placed in a chamber to receive the thrust of a piston. , which forces the aluminum, then in a pasty state, to cross the matrix. The extrusion then passes to a cooling table. Depending on the extruded alloy and the desired quenching condition, the cooling rate is done by forced air or by water jets.
When cooling is complete, the extruded profile is moved for stretch straightening and then cut to length. The last step is to thermally treat the extrusions in kilns, which hardens the aluminum by accelerating the aging process.
These Sheet Metal Fabrication in Perth companies can shape parts from billets up to 9 inches in diameter with presses up to 3,000 tons of pressure. They then process the parts by various processes that add value to the extruded product.
Additive manufacturing
It is a manufacturing process that consists of making a part from a metal powder melted by a laser beam. Essentially found in 3D printing, the piece is produced by stacking successive layers controlled by computer.
Laser welded blanks
Laser welding makes it possible to assemble Sheet Metal Fabrication in Perth of different thicknesses in order to form a blank ready for stamping (blank). Mainly used in the automotive industry, this process produces a part with different thicknesses, optimized for use.
