Aluminium Extrusion
Leading suppliers and stockists of Aluminium Extrusions across the UK
We understand that there is more to supplying bespoke aluminium extrusion than simply having metal in stock. We have invested heavily in training staff in the correct handling and storage of extrusion, technical sales staff with the knowledge to be able to help reduce costs and dedicated account managers to ensure that we have the right amount of stock for your business needs. Coupled with our mill partnerships across the globe and our own logistics division, we are one of the leading suppliers and stockists of aluminium extrusion across the UK.
Bespoke Product, Bespoke Solution
thyssenkrupp materials, one of the worlds largest suppliers of aluminium extrusion, have solved many supply problems for customers across a wide range of industries.
If you are looking to improve your supply chain, we can help.
From Die to Delivery
• Design
Due to our scale and expertise we have probably encountered and found a solution to most extrusion problems. As well as our UK team, we can call on the resources of experts within thyssenkrupp worldwide and engage a range of specialists from our supply partners.
• Production
As we are not tied to one manufacturing facility we can select the most appropriate manufacturer(s) for your product. This means we can create a bespoke supply solution that solves your specific supply problems.
• Fabrication
We have a range of fabrication possibilities from simple cut to length to a fully machined or kitted product.
We can select the best supply route for your product, whether it be quick in house processing in the UK or fabricated at the point of extrusion for stockholding and call off.
• Storage
Is your space at a permium? We can offer a range of stockholding solutions to solve your space issue. At its simplest we can stock locally and deliver next day to your site. Or we can manage the supply chain to reduce lead times and eliminate the need to carry as much stock at your site.
• Service
All Aluminium extrusion accounts are serviced by dedicated extrusion sales teams who take care of the details of your account, from stock lists to packing specifications. Our teams understand that your extrusion is critical to your business and will tailer a solution specific to your individual needs.
Processing Services
Cut to size
On site, we have state of the art saws capable of cutting profiles 420mm wide and lengths from 15mm to 7000mm. We can offer bespoke cuts for repeat high volume orders, as well as offering bespoke cuts for one off jobs. In total, we have 9 powerful saws that cut profiles to specific dimensions.
Punching and drilling
We offer customers with bespoke solutions to help them get the job done. We are able to drill holes or punch slots and shapes. At our new site, we only use the best equipment.
Finishing
Once we have cut or fabricated the product, we can finish the job using a range of methods. De-burring, polishing, anodising, painting and screen printing.
Machining
On site, we have a variety of powerful machines, including:
3 x SBZ151 5 Axis CNC Machining Centre (Long bed up to 15m)
SBZ122/73 4 Axis CNC Machining Centre (Used for Smaller Parts)
2 x DG244 Double compound Mitre Saw (Up to 6m)
2x Mecal 3 Axis CNC Machining Centre (Up to 2m)
Haas 3 Axis CNC Machining Centre (Up to 1.5m)
Bespoke packaging
Some of the industries that we supply into
Applications
Aluminium extrusions have a wide range of applications largely because of their malleability and ductility. Some of these diverse applications include:
In high conductivity of electricity and heat applications like heatsinks, radiators, electronics and air conditioning
In applications that require low weight to high strength ratios like marine, military, stock, railway and aeronautical applications
In mining, architectural marine and military and other applications that require materials that are resistant to corrosion.
Benefits of Aluminium Extrusions
The process offers a wide range of benefits. With aluminium extrusions, it is possible to add extra features for fixings, interlocking systems and channels which are more convenient as opposed to having additional parts.
Paired with other processes like novel fabrication, it can be a low-cost tooling solution. Ultimately, the low cost of extrusion results into lower project costs.
The strength, durability and other properties of aluminium are not lost in the extrusion process. It is possible to extrude pure aluminium for certain applications but, in most cases, other metals are added to form alloys that build on the already impressive properties of aluminium.
Extrusion allows for aluminium to be recycled without losing its properties living up to its name as an environmentally friendly metal.
Extrusion is the process of shaping aluminium by forcing it through a shape opening in a die. The resulting aluminium extrusion usually has the same profile as the die opening. The extrusion process features different steps to aid in the making of the final product.
These steps and processes include:
The design of the profile required is discussed and created depending on requirements and technical capability.
The shape and design of the die is then created.
A cylindrical billet of aluminium alloy is heated and transferred to a loader where a lubricant is added to keep the heated billet from adhering to the ram or die.
Pressure is applied using a ram which pushes the heated billet into a container which then forces it through the die opening.
Nitrogen gas or liquid is allowed to flow through the opening of the die to prevent oxides of aluminium from forming.
The newly extruded section is then passed onto a run out table. It is important to specify visible surface during design in order to protect this surface from the runners on the run out table.
The extruded aluminium is placed on the cooling table where it is either cooled by fans or by liquid.
The hardened material is then heat treated in an ageing oven and cut to size.
If required the aluminium extrusion can then be either painted or anodised.
For further customisation, there are other processes that can be added to the basic extrusion process. Some of the custom extruded parts that require further processing include hollow sections, piercing mandrels or pins. The colour, texture and brightness of the finish can also be adjusted after the extrusion process.
Common pain points of Aluminium Extrusion?
Aluminium extrusion plays a critical role across Lighting, Fenestration, Construction, Architecture and Data Centre industries. While the process offers flexibility and strength-to-weight advantages, it also presents a number of challenges that manufacturers and buyers alike must carefully manage. So what are the most common pain points associated with aluminium extrusion - from design and production through to cost, sustainability, and supply chain pressures.
