Aluminum extrusions and aluminum tubing have increased in price during 2021 like most other metal products. The Midwest Average Transaction Price of aluminum has risen from $1.05 per pound in January to $1.68 per pound in November. This has caused the end users and designers of extrusions to explore how they can reduce the cost of their aluminum components. At Profile Precision Extrusions we assist customers every day with cost reduction questions. There are three ways to reduce the cost of extruded shapes and aluminum tube; simplify the design, reduce the amount of metal in the design, and simplify the supply chain. Let’s learn more about how we can do that together.
Simplify the Design
Many extruded aluminum tube and shapes call for 6061-T6 alloy. The alloy is readily available, and many designers are familiar with it. It’s well rated for machinability and has moderate strength. A less costly alternative is 6063-T6 and is easier to extrude than 6061. Productivity increases 5-10% depending upon the design, making it less costly to produce for the extrusion mill. 6063 is rated fair in machinability, is lower in strength than 6061, and cosmetically 6063 has a nicer finish in the “as extruded” condition. It also looks better than 6061 when anodized. 6063 should be considered during cost reduction discussions.
Reduce the Amount of Metal
Reducing the amount of aluminum in the design is another cost reduction opportunity. Reducing the wall thickness of a 1.00” diameter tube from .050” to .040” results in almost a 20% reduction in the amount of aluminum weight in the tube. One downside to reducing the wall thickness or changing the design is a new extrusion die will likely be required. The cost of a new die will have to be weighed against purchasing less aluminum over the long run.
Simplify the Supply Chain
Many extrusion producers offer value added services that can reduce the overall cost of an aluminum extruded component. This can be a very effective way to reduce the overall cost. Having the mill perform value added operations like cutting, machining, deburring, and finishing not only reduces the overall cost of a component, but greatly simplifies the supply chain for the customer. Fewer vendors frees up management or engineering personnel to focus on solving other challenges.
Profile Precision Extrusions offers multiple ways to improve your current or future designs. Visit our website for design tips. If you’re new to aluminum extrusion design download our free eBook, 7 Steps to Bring Your Aluminum Extrusion to Life.
Contact or call us today at 623.936.5599.
