There are a lot of differences between American Conduit and other aluminum EMT & conduit suppliers in Cincinnati, OH. One of the biggest is that we have a team of true experts who can answer any questions you may have. Many clients, for instance, want to know how our conduit is made. Here’s a look at how it happens
Extrusion 101
Aluminum conduit is manufactured using a process known as extrusion. Extrusion is a widely used manufacturing process in which a material is forced through a die to create a desired shape or form. In the case of aluminum conduit, the extrusion process involves heating a billet of aluminum to a high temperature and then forcing it through a die to create a hollow tube or pipe.
The first step in the extrusion process is the selection of the appropriate aluminum alloy. The most commonly used alloy for aluminum conduit is 6063-T6, which is known for its strength, durability, and corrosion resistance. The alloy is typically sourced in the form of a billet, which is a solid block of aluminum.
The billet is then heated in a furnace to a temperature of around 900-1000 degrees Fahrenheit. The exact temperature and heating time will depend on the size of the billet and the desired properties of the final product. Once the billet has reached the appropriate temperature, it is transferred to the extrusion press.
The extrusion press is a large machine that is used to apply pressure to the heated billet and force it through a die. The die is a specially designed component that is made to the exact dimensions of the desired conduit. As the billet is pushed through the die, it is shaped into a hollow tube or pipe. The pressure applied during the extrusion process can be as high as 10,000 tons, which is necessary to create the required strength and durability of the final product.
Cooling and Cutting
After the aluminum has been extruded into the desired shape, it is cooled and cut to the required length. The extruded aluminum conduit is then inspected for quality and defects, such as cracks or inconsistencies in the wall thickness. Any defective sections are removed, and the remaining conduit is cleaned and prepared for use.
One of the key advantages of the extrusion process is that it allows for a high degree of customization. The extrusion die can be designed to create a wide range of shapes and sizes, allowing for the creation of customized conduit for specific applications. The extrusion process also allows for precise control over the wall thickness of the conduit, which is important for maintaining the required strength and durability.
In addition to the extrusion process itself, there are several additional steps that may be taken to enhance the properties of the aluminum conduit. For example, the extruded conduit may be treated with a surface coating to improve its corrosion resistance or to provide an attractive finish. The conduit may also be heat-treated to further increase its strength and durability.
Overall, the extrusion process is a critical component in the manufacturing of aluminum conduit. The process allows for the creation of a high-quality, customizable product that is well-suited for use in a wide range of applications.
Not all aluminum EMT & conduit suppliers in Cincinnati, OH will bother to provide this kind of information, but the professionals with American Conduit will. Learn more by contacting us online or calling 1-800-334-6825.