Die casting is regarded as one of the most popular and modern forms of metal molding process for manufactured parts. However, there are plenty of other alternatives to shape metals too, such as the metal extrusion process. It is of significant importance to know about the different types of metal shaping process, as it will help the manufacturers to determine what process is the accurate choice for them.
It is true that many manufacturers are not familiar with the metal extrusion process. Many experts say that metal extrusion process is not effective or accurate for several metal parts. In such cases, it is wiser to go with die casting, as it will bring the desired results at an affordable cost. However, it is still useful to know what metal extrusion is and how it works.
Die Casting vs. Metal Extrusion
As we all know, die casting is a modern and simple process, which helps the manufacturers to produce consistent good quality metal parts at a low cost and at high volume. Manufacturers usually use Copper, Zinc, and Aluminum alloys to melt the metal and to inject them into a closed die, which is in the shapes of the parts that they wish to produce. In this process, the metal is subjected to high pressure when it is cooled, which in turn results in a consistent shape upon the completion of the process.
On the other hand, metal extrusion is a specific type of metal shaping process that is specifically designed for straight and long metal parts such as the T-shapes, L-shapes, as well as rectangular and tubes shapes. Metal extrusion process uses a mechanical or hydraulic process to squeeze metals into the die.
After this stage, manufacturers use a wear-resistant material to line the die. This allows the die to handle high radial loads with ease. So, if you were looking for a metal shaping process to effectively shape the metal without tearing it, then metal extrusion process would be a good choice.
Metal extrusion can be performed on hot, cold and at room temperature. However, most of the metals that are created through this process usually undergo a cold process. This is because cold process has no oxidation and it also produces a good surface finish for the end product. However, metal parts that do not have uniform cross sections are nor suitable for the metal extrusion process.