Key Differences When Selecting Al, Cu and Mg Extrusion Equipment

Aluminium, copper and magnesium are three common extrusion materials. Differences in their behaviour significantly affect equipment design priorities and selection. The following points are worth considering.

Deformation resistance and temperature window

The three materials differ in deformation resistance and in the appropriate extrusion temperature range. Copper alloys usually require forming at higher temperatures and pressures, and therefore place higher demands on frame rigidity, tonnage and die material temperature resistance. Magnesium alloys are more sensitive to temperature and deformation speed, and the process window is typically narrower.

Extrusion speed and cycle

The permitted extrusion speed varies by material, which affects the main speed-control approach and production efficiency. Excessive speed may cause product defects, while too low a speed limits output. A suitable speed-control strategy should therefore be matched to the material.

Dies and tooling

Die design and tooling configuration should account for material behaviour. Some materials are more sensitive to die surface quality, lubrication and venting, and the die structure may need to be adapted accordingly.

Automation and auxiliary systems

Selection should also consider whether heating, billet handling, cooling, pulling and downstream systems match the material. Differences in material behaviour often extend into differentiated configurations across the whole line.

Confirm with the project conditions

The above are general differences. Actual selection should be evaluated item by item by the engineering team against the specific product, output and plant conditions before a platform and configuration are confirmed.