Are aluminum extrusion and aluminum casting the same process?
Aluminum is one of the most preferred metals among metal elements due to its lightness, durability and resistance to corrosion. Especially in the aviation, automotive and construction industries, production is based on aluminum parts. For the sectors where aluminum is used, it must enter certain molds and take shape. The most commonly used aluminum forming methods are extrusion and casting. But are aluminum extrusion and aluminum casting the same? Let’s examine together what are the differences between these two aluminum forming methods.
As BOR Aluminum USA, we are among the leading companies in aluminum profile production. We frequently use aluminum molding methods and apply them to our products. If you want to get information about aluminum billet casting and aluminum extrusion profiles, you can contact American aluminum extrusion company.
What are the Differences Between Aluminum Extrusion and Aluminum Casting?
In order to understand the differences between aluminum extrusion and aluminum casting, it is first necessary to learn what these two methods do and how they shape aluminum.
Brief Definition of Aluminum Extrusion and Aluminum Casting:
- Extrusion:
A metalworking process that proceeds by passing aluminum through a die to create a specific shape. In this process, the die determines the cross-sectional shape of the extruded part. Extrusion can achieve a variety of shapes such as tubes, rods, angles and channels with high tolerances and consistent quality. The process is highly efficient and cost-effective for producing parts with a uniform cross-section and a continuous length. Extrusion is a suitable method for producing long, flat and hollow components such as window frames, door frames and coolers.
- Casting:
A manufacturing process that involves pouring aluminum into a mold to create a specific shape. The mold can be made of different materials such as sand, graphite or metal, depending on the complexity of the part and the desired surface finish. The molten metal solidifies in the mold and forms the geometry of the part. Casting can produce complex shapes with intricate details that are difficult or impossible to extrude. The process is suitable for one-off or low-volume production and can be used for a variety of applications such as engine blocks, pump housings and decorative objects.
Basic Differences:
- The main difference between Aluminum Extrusion and Aluminum casting is the flexibility and scope of the process.
- A wide variety of shapes and sizes are produced in the extrusion process.
- Extruded aluminum can be cut and processed into different lengths. This makes it an important product for manufacturers.
- The extrusion process produces minimal waste.
- In addition, the process is fast and a lot of aluminum is processed in a short time.
- The casting process involves preparing the molds and melting the aluminum. This process also affects the production process and lengthens it.
- Another difference between extrusion and casting is the durability and properties of the material.
- Extruded aluminum obtains stronger products than cast aluminum.
- Extrusion aligns the aluminum grains to follow the contours of the shape, producing a more robust and durable product.
- Extruded aluminum also has a more homogeneous grain structure. This makes it less prone to cracking and more resistant to corrosion.
- Cast aluminum, on the other hand, has a random grain structure that can lead to weaker points in the material.
- However, casting can produce parts with better surface quality and details that cannot be achieved by extrusion.
Aluminum Extrusion and Aluminum Casting Costs (Which is More Expensive?)
When comparing extrusion and casting of aluminum, there is a significant difference in cost.
Extrusion is generally a cost-effective way to produce high volumes of aluminum parts. The process is automated and requires less labor. This reduces the cost per part, resulting in low-budget production. Extrusion also has the potential to process recycled aluminum, which reduces the cost of raw materials and environmental impact.
Casting, on the other hand, has a more expensive manufacturing process as it is used to achieve small or complex shapes due to the cost of the mold and the labor involved in setting up the process. In addition, casting is an advantageous option for producing unique or one-off parts that cannot be made with the extrusion process.
Budget Friendly Aluminum Extrusion and Casting Cost
In conclusion, extrusion and casting of aluminum are two different processes that offer different advantages and disadvantages. Extrusion is a highly efficient and cost-effective method for producing parts with a continuous cross-section and length. Casting, on the other hand, is suitable for producing complex shapes with better surface quality.
As Bor Aluminum USA, we offer you the aluminum processing method you need with the most affordable costs. You can contact us for more information.
Bor Aluminum – Content Producer
