Lead time times can vary significantly within the aluminum extrusion industry. Current lead times for some specialty products are:
- Drawn seamless aluminum tubing 50-60 weeks
- Structural extrusions in 7xx & 2xx alloys 25-30 weeks
- Drawn porthole tubing 12-14 weeks
Fortunately, Profile Precision Extrusions has invested in new equipment and facilities over the past 7 years. As a result, our lead times for custom aluminum extrusions have not changed significantly in the last four to five years.
Lead times generally reflect demand for a business’ products. The extruded aluminum industry currently has a very healthy demand for its products. Car manufacturers have incorporated more aluminum into their designs for safety and increased fuel efficiency.
Aircraft manufacturers are building planes at record rates. Commercial and residential construction is booming in many regions. For aluminum extrusions and extruded tubing, the lead time for your order is a function of three factors: tooling lead time; extrusion lead time; fabrication lead time.
Tooling lead time is the amount of time required to manufacture an extrusion die. For a simple solid extrusion, like a 1.00” diameter rod or 90-degree angle, the die is made from one piece of H13 tool steel. The lead time to produce an extrusion die is 2-3 weeks. If you would like to order a die for a .500” diameter tube the lead time is 3-4 weeks. The difference in lead time is explained by the fact that an extrusion die for a tube is more complicated than for a solid shape. The die is made up of two pieces of steel that must mate up perfectly to produce the tube correctly. An example is below.
Extrusion lead time consists of the time your order waits in the queue to begin production and the actual time it takes for your order to move through the manufacturing steps. About 75% of the extrusion lead time is waiting in the queue. Actual extrusion production time of an order may take 15 minutes or a few hours to extrude depending upon its size. The extrusions are cooled quickly upon exiting the press, stretched to straighten them, and cut to length. The extrusions are then artificially aged between eight and twelve hours to achieve their final temper. The total time from extrusion to cooling after artificial aging takes 48 hours.
Extrusion Quench Artificial Age Oven
After aging extrusions are ready for packaging or further processing. If you order does not require any fabrication it will typically be packed and shipped 2-3 days after the aging step is completed.
Many projects call for the aluminum tubing and extrusions to be fabricated or coating in some way after aging. Processes that are typically requested are: cutting to length, deburring, drilling holes or slots, anodizing and chem film coating. A good rule of thumb for the lead time of these processes to add 1-2 weeks for each process required to the lead time of the extruded design. For example, if your project requires an extruded tube to be cut to length, deburred and black anodized the lead time would be:
Extrusion 4 weeks
Cut to length 1 week
Deburr 1 week
Anodize 1 week
Total 7 weeks
Our lead times at Profile Precision Extrusions are shorter than most in the aluminum extrusion industry. Should you need a lead time that is earlier than we quote don’t hesitate to ask. If you do, please have a specific timeframe rather than asking “can you do it sooner, I can’t wait that long”. We’ll be happy to consider your request and do what we can to speed your aluminum extrusions to you. We’re looking forward to hearing about your project. Call us today at 623.936.5599.
