Why is the quality of an aluminium extrusion billet so important?

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An another very usuful post from Linkedin.
Author – H G Shripad – https://easyaluminium.com/

The press gets the credit. The billet deserves it.

Often, whenever an extrusion had a surface issue or inconsistent properties, our first reaction was to check the press, die or process parameters.

Sometimes the root cause had entered the plant long before the billet reached the press.

That’s why billet quality is one of the biggest foundations of extrusion excellence.

Here’s why it matters.

Billet quality directly influences:

• Surface finish
• Dimensional accuracy
• Mechanical properties
• Die life
• Extrusion productivity

Small changes in:

• Molten metal temperature
• Cooling water temperature
• Casting speed

can significantly affect grain structure and billet quality.

Homogenization is much more than heating the billet.

A proper cycle includes:

• Controlled heating
• Temperature stabilization
• Adequate soaking
• Controlled cooling

When done correctly, it improves:

• Chemical uniformity
• Extrudability
• Surface quality
• Mechanical performance

A 6″, 7″ and 8″ billet should not always follow the same casting and homogenization recipe.

Different diameters behave differently.

One process does not fit all.

The quality of an aluminium extrusion is decided long before the billet enters the press.

A well-designed die and an experienced press operator can only do so much if the billet quality isn’t right.

Every great extrusion starts with a great billet.

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