Factors that Affect Extrusion Processes Using Stainless Steel Sheets
When performing extrusion services using stainless steel sheets, the process can be affected by different factors. This is one reason why it is so critical to choose a trusted company, one that offers years of experience and unrivaled expertise.
One factor that will dictate both cost and ease at which a part is extruded is the customer’s desired shape. Using this process and different sizes of stainless steel sheets, a wide range of shapes can be achieved but certain factors like ratio, shape, size, tolerance, tongue ratio, scrap ratio, finish, all factor in.
Typically, the speed of extrusion using stainless steel sheets varies based on metal temperature and the amount of pressure built up within the container. The exact material and purity of the metal, as well as desired shape will be limited somewhat by temperature and pressure. As an example, shapes with a superior quality surface are generally achieved with lower temperatures due to limitations in pressure.
An acceptable surface coupled with ideal tolerance conditions depends on the temperature of the stainless steel sheets. At the same time, the preferred temperature is what allows the shortest cycle time possible. The only exception is with press-quench alloys, which have a range of 930 to 980 degrees Fahrenheit for solution-heat treated temperatures. In this case, the temperature has to be attained at the exit of the die in order to ensure that mechanical properties are optimal.
In comparison, when temperatures and speeds of intrusion are extremely high, there is more fluidity to the flow of metal. Naturally, melted stainless steel sheets will look for the path of least resistance so this means that larger voids in the face of the die are filled. This also means that the fluid will have a difficult time filling more constricted areas. Because of this, dimensions of shape usually drop below accepted tolerances.
There is another risk factor of extrusion temperatures and speeds being too high. For this, the metal can tear at sharp corners or thin edges. When this happens, the tensile strength of the metal is compromised. In addition, the contact between the stainless steel and die bearing surfaces are usually uneven and incomplete. In fact, sometimes the result is a part with intensified twists and waves.