1. Browse various sources that provide basic information about metal extrusion
2. Enroll for certification courses at recognized institutions
3. Interact with experts in the field of metal forming and extrusion processes

Action Steps
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Understand the basics of metal forming and extrusion and the relevant terminology

If you have very little exposure to the process of metal forming and extrusion, you can learn the basics by browsing different resources such as websites of engineering consultancies and online knowledge resources.

I recommend: You can read about the basic concepts and processes of metal forming, including metal extrusion, at Metalforming, a reputable engineering consulting firm. You can learn the basics of the metal extrusion process at EngineersHandbook.com, a website that offers information about mechanical design, manufacturing and engineering. In addition, SubsTech, an open knowledge resource in materials engineering, offers useful information about the metal extrusion process.

Attend certification courses that cover metal forming and extrusion processes

Recognized institutions offer certification courses in metal forming and mechanical engineering, which include detailed education on metal extrusion. You can enroll for these courses to gain thorough technical knowledge about the metal forming and extrusion processes.

I recommend: University of Washington offers a certification course in plasticity and metal forming, which includes education about metal extrusion. Lehigh University’s Institute for Metal Forming offers a short course in the metal forming processes, including stainless steel extrusion and sheet metal extrusion. In addition, you can enroll in an undergraduate certification course in materials fabrication at McMaster University, Ontario.

Interact with experts in the field of metal forming and extrusion

Veterans in the metal extrusion business can help you set up or refurbish your metal extruding plant. If you want to establish yourself in the standard and custom metal extrusions business, seek an expert's advice on different issues such as the design and setup of a plant, compliances, government permissions and operational details of a metal extrusion plant.

I recommend: Kevin Kennedy & Associates, a global engineering and scientific consulting firm, offers expert advice on metal forming and extrusion. In addition, you can seek expert advice at Intota, a business-to-business service that connects the experts in various industries, including metal forming and extrusion. Contact the Precision Metalforming Association to find a metal forming company that offers apprenticeships or other educational opportunities. The National Tooling & Machining Association runs a series of webinars on the latest techniques in metal forming.

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Use custom metal extrusions made from copper for plumbing and refrigeration applications

Extruded copper products are used in air conditioning and refrigeration, geothermal heating and cooling systems, domestic plumbing and water distribution and fire sprinkler systems.

I recommend: Weldaloy products offers custom metal extrusion services for all heating and cooling applications that use copper tubes and fittings. Electric Materials specializes in copper tubing for refrigeration. Grainger offers an array of extruded copper products for plumbing and water distribution.

Order aluminum extruded metal products for the construction and automotive industries

Extruded aluminum is extremely versatile. It's used to form aluminum cans, aluminum door and window frames, roofing, electric connectors, aerospace products, architectural framing, copier components, circuit board, modem housings and medical equipment.

I recommend: Almag customizes extruded aluminum parts, such as running boards, light reflectors, slat walls, trade show booths and sign systems. Follow the extrusion guidelines to get a quote. National Extrusion is a certified manufacturer and distributor of aluminum extruded shapes for a variety of industries including transportation, office equipment, medical equipment, building products, aerospace and electrical/electronics.

Purchase extrusion stainless steel channels for structural and other applications

The strength and non-corrosive properties of extruded stainless steel products make them the ideal choice on bridges, rail cars, rail construction, elevators, escalators and building structures.

I recommend: Stainless Structurals is a metal extruder that makes stainless steel beams, channels, equal and unequal angles, tees, cold drawn flats and half rounds. GSP, a division of ThyssenKrupp North America, offers extruded stainless steel channels for the building and rail road industries.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Cold metal forming extrusion applications are much greener than hot extrusion applications because the metal oxidizes less and has closer tolerances, good surface finishes and fast extrusion speeds (if the material is subject to hot shortness).
• •  Use steel metal extruding for applications under 50,000 lbs. If the application is larger than 50,000 lbs., it's more cost effective to roll the steel.

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Hot extrusion

As the name indicates, hot extrusion is carried out at high temperatures. At higher temperatures, the yield strength of a metal or alloy is less than its value at room temperature. This is a very economical process, since the dies used are inexpensive and interchangeable.

I recommend: You can read through the explanation for hot extrusion process at GlobalSpec, an online information resource.

Cold extrusion

Unlike hot extrusion, this process is carried out at room temperature. However, extrusion at room temperature might induce some stresses in the extruded product.

I recommend: You can read through the description of the cold extrusion process at Heckler AG, a metal forming company.

Direct extrusion (also known as forward extrusion)

In this process, a preheated billet, placed in a heavy walled container, is pushed through the die by ram pressure. The metal flows in the same direction as the ram has traveled.

I recommend: You can read through information about direct extrusion at Mid-States Aluminum Corp. (PDF), an aluminum manufacturer.

Indirect extrusion

In indirect extrusion, the die is at the ram end of the billet and the product travels through the hollow ram and in the opposite direction.

I recommend: For information about indirect extrusion, you can read through the glossary of technical terms at Capital Aluminium Extrusions Limited.

Hydrostatic extrusion

In this extrusion process, pressurized liquid surrounds the billet completely, except where the billet is in contact with the die.

I recommend: You can read through the information about the hydrostatic extrusion process at Extruded Profile, a business-to-business marketplace for extrusion products.

Co-extrusion (also known as cable sheathing)

Co-extrusion refers to extrusion of two materials simultaneously from a single die. This is done in such a way that the two separate materials fuse together to form a single structure.

I recommend: For information about the co-extrusion process, you can read through the technical glossaries at Bloomer Plastics, Inc. and Shanghai Jari Extrusion Technology Co. Ltd.

Extrusion speed

Extrusion speed is an important specification of any extrusion process. Extrusion speed affects the properties of extruded products.

I recommend: Burak Aluminium offers a glossary of technical terms, such as hollow dies, solid dies and extrusion speed.