How to Make an Initial Extrusion Press Tonnage Assessment

Press tonnage is not an isolated number. It should be assessed together with the product, the material and the target output. The following can serve as a starting point for an initial tonnage assessment.

Start from the product cross-section

The size, shape and complexity of the product cross-section affect the required pressing force. A larger section, thinner walls or a more complex geometry generally call for a higher force. Clarifying the section range is therefore the first step.

Consider material behaviour

Different alloys (aluminium, copper, magnesium, etc.) have different deformation resistance. The same section may require a very different pressing force under different materials. Chemical composition, state (e.g. cast or homogenised) and temperature should all be considered.

Take the extrusion ratio and process into account

The extrusion ratio (billet area relative to product section area) is a key parameter. A higher ratio typically requires a higher unit pressing force. In addition, direct, indirect and double-action processes place different demands on tonnage and equipment configuration.

Align with output and cycle

Tonnage is influenced not only by product and material but also by the target output. If a higher throughput per unit time is required, extrusion speed, billet and die matching, cooling and handling need to be considered together, all of which affect the final equipment choice.

Discuss with the engineering team

These factors are interlinked and cannot be determined from a single parameter. We recommend providing the material, product section, target output and project stage, so the engineering team can assess the specific conditions and recommend a suitable platform and configuration.