In January we asked our national sales team for common questions they hear from customers and potential customers for blog topics. The number one question is “can you help me with my design?”. Of course, we can!
How We Can Help With Your Aluminum Extrusion Design
Our website has been built to help you with your design. We have sections on design tips, aluminum tubing, extruded shapes, and value-added services. All sections have descriptions on our unique capabilities with photos and examples. On the right-hand side of every web page lists our phone number, contact information for our sales team, a link to submit an RFQ, and a link that allows you to download our free e-book 7 Steps To Bring Your Aluminum Extrusion To Life.
All We Need to Get Your Design Started
Aluminum extrusions are used extensively in many industries, likely in yours. If you’re wondering if your idea is a good fit for the aluminum extrusion process, the best way to know for sure is to ask! Pick up the phone and call a local extruder and describe what you’d like to create. For simple shapes like round tubes or square bars, a verbal description will be enough. For example: “I would like a quote on 100 pieces of a 1.00” OD tube x .065” wall thickness x 144” long.” For a little more complicated geometry, sketch a design on a piece of paper, scan it and email it. For designs that are complicated, it’s helpful to provide a CAD file.
At some point early in the process, you’ll need to consider what aluminum alloy and temper you need for your design. Two of the most common are 6061-T6 and 6063-T5. 6061 is strong and machines well. 6063 is easier to extrude into complicated geometries. It also has a nicer cosmetic finish. Because 6063 is easier to extrude, it may cost a little bit less than 6061.
At Profile Precision Extrusions we’ve reviewed hundreds of designs to determine if they are a good fit for the extrusion process. Sometimes the idea fits the extrusion process but doesn’t fit our equipment. If that’s the case, we’ll be happy to suggest a couple of companies in our industry that we think might be able to help. Contact us by phone or email today and find out how we can help you bring your idea to life.
