Machined vs Extruded

[autothesis]

Hello,

I have a AL 6061 part which can be either extruded or machined. Which is stronger.? Extruded or Machined.?
As a stress engineer which would you prefer.?

 

[CoryPad]

There are multiple factors to consider. In general, extrusion should be a better choice regarding strength.

 

[Tmoose]

What is the loading the part will see? Is "strength" even an issue? Is deflection in service an issue?

 

[autothesis]

Thanks guys for replying.

Yes deflection is an issue. Load is not that much an issue.
But, I can not use stronger material for testing and use weaker for production. So i need to test the weaker and later i can use the stronger material for production.

 

[Tmoose]

elastic deflection is controlled by geometry and Modulus of elasticity/Young's modulus/E.
UTS or endurance limit or yield strength don't really enter into it, unless of course the yield strength is exceeded and plastic deformation occurs (the part is bent).

 

[tbuelna]

As Tmoose pointed out, if deflection is your main concern, then it would not really matter what the raw material form used for your component is. Since the section properties and material modulus would be the same for either.

If you're concerned about fatigue life, then the material grain orientation of the finished part relative to the applied loads will make a difference. In this regard, an extrusion may or may not give better results than a 100% machined part.