subject: Using Aluminium Extrusion To Manufacture Automobiles [print this page] One of the biggest users of aluminium extrusions is the automobile industry. Most new products launched by the automobile sector have used aluminium extrusions in some form or the other. Automobile companies use aluminium extrusion to make sunroof channels for the vehicles they manufacture. The channels used in cars must have low friction, should be smooth and must be resistant to wear and tear. These high-quality channels can be easily made using aluminium extrusion.
Some manufacturers anodise the surface of these channels to make them harder than other metal channels available in the market. This ensures better protection of the vehicle on which these channels are used. These extrusions have to meet higher tolerance levels as these have to remain assembled with other parts that are fitted in the vehicle. You can optimise the properties of the channel by making changes in the alloy design which will help in maximising the strength of the channels.
To ensure there is no change in shape of the channels, a tight control shape selection is required. This is possible using die management technique which will help in ensuring there is minimum variability in product design. Assembling of sunroof is possible only when there is little or no variation in the fabrication of the channels, quality of material used and dimensions of the channels used.
Aluminium extrusion is also used for manufacturing roof rails. These roof rails are placed on the top of the vehicle are used to carry luggage and equipment. Aluminium extrusion is used for manufacturing roof rails as it is light-weighted metal, which makes it an ideal choice. Since roof rails are used to carry heavy loads it is important that they are of high quality. Manufacturers of roof rail ensure that the right alloy composition and optimum heat treatment is used to make roof rails. Roof rails are then tested for their strength and wear and tear capabilities before they can be used by automobile manufacturers.
Consistency and precision are important in the production of aluminium roof rail extrusions. Any change in the production could influence the bending of the extrusion. Even a minor change in the yield stress level of the aluminium rail roof could have an impact on the final product. Therefore it is important that manufacturers maintain a high level of control when it comes to the manufacturing of aluminium rail roof extrusions.
Most automobile manufacturers are under pressure to improve the safety features of their vehicles. This has forced manufacturers to add features which help in improving the safety of the passengers travelling in their vehicles. Adding new safety features in their cars will only add to the existing weight of the vehicle. To overcome the problem of weight increase most manufacturers use side intrusion beams to improve the safety of the passengers travelling in the car. Side intrusion beams made from aluminium are lightweight and add minimal weight to the vehicle.
These are a few uses of aluminium extrusion in to manufacture automobiles. Apart from the uses mentioned, there are many other places where aluminium extrusion is used in the manufacturing of different models of vehicles.
by: Lawrence White
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