Aluminum extrusion is often considering a manufacturing technique that can help us solve design problems. Professionals well know the metal by a 4-digit code that identifies the type of metal we are using. The most popular choices in the market are the 6000 and 7000 series. These certified variants of aluminum are preferred because they do not harden fast, but they will hold for a lifetime once they take shape.

The variations of aluminum also offer different features based on their composition and the other minerals that are combined with when it comes to manufacturing. Alloys are very common, mainly because they make aluminum extrusion easier to handle. The hardening properties of the final alloy usually determine the lifespan of the finished products and offer the added value your clients may be looking for.

Tempering and Aluminum Extrusion

Tempering is the process of handling the metal with heat to make it take the shape we need. A lot of aluminum extrusion is carried out using tempering, while other variations of the process use a machine to bend the metal's shape. This last one is mostly reserved for the less resistant variations of the product. The 6000 series aluminum has a wide range of treatments depending on the grades chosen and the type of projects to work with. 6063 is a strong metal used mostly for decorative purposes. The more we temper it, the stronger it will become once it's cooled off. That's why metal-made furniture tends to last so long, and it's the default choice for many outdoor locations.

Temper Designations for Aluminum Extrusion

We are going with the basics here for the sake of general knowledge. Aluminum extrusion is achieved with tempering using an essential catalog of designations that can be easily distinguishable. The letter of choice is five: F, H, O, Y, and W. this is what we need to know about each of these nomenclatures:

F

This aluminum extrusion technique is handled without any external influence related to temperatures; no thermal conditions are applied or hardening requirements.

O

This designation is for annealed products. The finished product has been created using low-controlled heat to improve dimensions and flexibility.

H

Stand for hardened. It's used on products that are made stronger through cold-working procedures. While it may require additional thermal treatment, it ensures a fair reduction of the material's strength if that's what is needed.

W

This a solution-treated heating process that can be applied to alloys to be able to age at natural temperatures.

T

Stands for thermal treatment that is commonly used to offer increasingly stable tempers derived from the heat with additional strain hardening treatments.

This information will be useful when you deal with any manufacturer. Take into account that this is straightforward basic information, and there is more to it if you wish to take an informed decision.