Continuous Extrusion is new to the aluminum extrusion process, the example below is a fun way to show how the process works. The extrusion process is similar to this PlayDoh® press in that the malleable dough is forced through the press and flows through the opening fitted with a particular die shape. For a hollow die shape, note how the PlayDoh can flow through the opening between the part of the die that forms the outside diameter and the inside “mandrel” supported by two horizontal supports. The PlayDoh SEPARATES into two tube halves and “welds” back together due to the pressure needed to make it flow through the annular opening into a tube shape. Of course, the actual aluminum extrusion process is more complicated than this. However, with the aid of a powerful hydraulic press producing an incredible variety of useful products with almost any shape imaginable is possible with aluminum extrusion.

For a hollow die shape, note how the PlayDoh can flow through the opening between the part of the die that forms the outside diameter and the inside “mandrel” supported by two horizontal supports. The PlayDoh SEPARATES into two tube halves and “welds” back together due to the pressure needed to make it flow through the annular opening into a tube shape. Of course, the actual aluminum extrusion process is more complicated than this. However, with the aid of a powerful hydraulic press producing an incredible variety of useful products with almost any shape imaginable is possible with aluminum extrusion.