Powder Metallurgy - Extrusion Technology

At Alulight® International GmbH two different production methods are established to extrude powder mixtures:

Discontinuous extrusion process:

In many cases the PM-production of aluminium formed components starts with a cold compaction mainly followed by a classic hot forming process. Alulight® International GmbH uses cold isostatic pressing to consolidated encased powder mixtures to billets with densities of 70 to 80% of theoretical by applying all side pressures.

The extrusion of powder billets is quite similar to the extrusion of cast ingots. At Alulight® International GmbH the precompacted powder billets are formed to solid and hollow sections with complex geometries.

Continous rotary extrusion:

The Continous rotary extrusion has been developed by Advanced Metal Forming Group of the Springfield Nuclear Laboratories in 1971. This process is distinguished by forming full and hollowed profiles in continuous extrusion out of rod stock or powder feedstock.

The Continous rotary extruder at Alulight® International GmbH is aligned to consolidate alloyed aluminium powders. In comparison to the discontinuous standard process – cold isostatic pressing with followed extrusion – process steps can be saved and thus the output enhanced.

Contionous rotary extrusion technology is especially suitable for small cross sections up to 20mm diameter.