As you transition from the prototype stage to the production phase of your aluminum extrusion project, the journey ahead is both exciting and critical. This phase marks the transformation of your concept into a tangible reality. In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the essential elements of the production process, shedding light on why Profile Precision Extrusion (PPE) is the ideal partner to help you achieve success.
Meeting Your Production Needs
Once you give your die trial samples the green light, your project is poised for production. Depending on the scope of your project, you may need extrusions for pre-production builds, customer samples, or thousands of pieces for customer orders. The lead time for production volumes can vary based on mill capacity and the complexity of process steps required. During the quoting process, you should have received production pricing and lead times. Remember that most mills provide a ship date for your order, not the delivery date, so consider transit time when planning when your order will arrive.
Everyone is in a hurry these days. It’s essential to recognize that you’re not the only project on the mill’s plate. In some cases, a mill may have 200-300 orders in various stages of production. Asking for your order to jump to the front of the line is not realistic. If you need to ask for your order to be expedited, have a specific ship date that is realistic based upon the lead times you’ve been given. Your understanding of the mill’s lead times and not “asking for the moon” can help build a strong relationship with your chosen mill.
Anticipating Production Challenges
In manufacturing production hiccups are inevitable. Aluminum extrusion production is no exception. It’s crucial to inquire about the “on-time” percentage of the mill you’re partnering with; anything above 90% is a positive sign. Common reasons for orders not shipping on time include die repairs, quality control issues, delays by outside vendors, or even the occasional hiccup with freight carriers.
Embracing Design Evolution
During the production phase, you might find reasons to tweak your extrusion design. Such modifications can be driven by factors like improved assembly productivity, enhanced performance, increased strength, or lower cost. At PPE, we understand that design evolution is a natural part of the process, and we are equipped to accommodate these changes.
Depending on the desired changes, existing extrusion dies may undergo modifications at the mill or by the die maker. In some cases, a completely new die may be necessary. Profile often invests in equipment to bring work in-house to improve quality and reduce lead times. It’s worth noting that at PPE, we consider custom designs proprietary to the customer. We won’t produce extrusions from your die for anyone else without your written permission. We also commit to maintaining, repairing, or replacing dies as needed, and for projects ordered regularly, we even invest in backup tooling at our expense. You pay for the die only one time.
Partnering for Success
In the complex world of aluminum extrusion production, choosing the right partner is essential. Profile Precision Extrusion stands out as a partner dedicated to your project’s success. We offer a deep understanding of production challenges, flexibility to accommodate design changes, and a commitment to maintaining your extrusion die’s integrity. Your project is not just another order to us; it’s a partnership for success.
To start your journey towards a successful aluminum extrusion project, contact us on our website or give us a call at (623) 936-5599. Discover why over 50 companies each year choose PPE to develop their new aluminum shapes and extruded tubing. We’re looking forward to discussing your project’s unique requirements and how PPE can take your design and make it a reality.
