Curved Extrusions
Curved Extrusions
(OP)
Material: A356.0-F, 4.5" x 1.9" x 57" long with a radius of 129".
Just curious if this shape is manufacturable, and what level of tolerance can be expected for the radii and length? Cross section is similar to a "C" with fins going with the direction of the radius. If this cannot be extruded as a radius, can it be rolled formed or some other method after extrusion?
Just curious if this shape is manufacturable, and what level of tolerance can be expected for the radii and length? Cross section is similar to a "C" with fins going with the direction of the radius. If this cannot be extruded as a radius, can it be rolled formed or some other method after extrusion?
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RE: Curved Extrusions
Alloy 356 is almost universally used for sand casting, but not for extruding.
So you could cast the part in linear form, and beat some curvature into it in the same way.
Mike Halloran
Pembroke Pines, FL, USA
RE: Curved Extrusions
RE: Curved Extrusions
RE: Curved Extrusions
"Art without engineering is dreaming; Engineering without art is calculating."
Have you read FAQ731-376: Eng-Tips.com Forum Policies to make the best use of these Forums?
RE: Curved Extrusions
http://ww
They have technical information available at their site that may include tolerances.
RE: Curved Extrusions
The achievable radius tolerance is skill- dependent, because the springback changes with the temper of individual parts. It might work better after tempering to whatever condition you need with a controlled process.
I.e., it might be better to have the extruder supply overlength tempered blanks, to be processed by someone experienced with cold forming of aluminum.
This would be a good time to be talking to actual extruders about your specific part. Some of them just want to handle sticks, some like to also do the secondary operations, but all will need an actual print on which to base a quote. For which purpose they also need a credible estimate of annual production.
Mike Halloran
Pembroke Pines, FL, USA
RE: Curved Extrusions
RE: Curved Extrusions
- Will there be a Straight segments at the ends (holding lengths) ? OR can we achieve radius throughout the part?
~ BT
RE: Curved Extrusions
RE: Curved Extrusions
A trim operation will be required because a certain amount of straight is required for the jaws to clear the stretch form die.
Stretch forming is most often done in the O or AQ condition.There is some reduction in cross section, but it is no worse than the distortions induced by a 3 roll profile or 4 roll Buffalo roller.
B.E.
RE: Curved Extrusions
The rise over a 57" chord for that Radius is just a little over 3" I think that's a bit much for sun heating :(
B.E.