Extrusion press is a sophisticated machinery in the extrusion process that is available in a huge variety of sizes ranging from 400 tonnes to 1600 tonnes. From the common large extruded profiles to thin-wall extruded profiles, extrusion presses are geared to meet virtually any demand of the extrusion industry. Modern extrusion presses are equipped with all the latest technology and innovative features, for example the infinitely variable extrusion speeds, PLC control, reducing an operator's need etc. It is the press size that determines the size of an extrusion, and therefore the selection of a proper extrusion press is of critical importance in the extrusion process. discussed. Aluminium Extrusion Press

To be in a position understand an aluminium extrusion press completely and thoroughly, we need a basic understanding of what are the main parts of an extrusion press, what do they look like, what functions do they perform, etc, etc. Going through the diagram below would be helpful in understanding the extrusion process step by step in detail.

An extrusion press is comprised of a front platen and back platen which is held together by four tie rods. The parts of the extrusion press are as follows:

Parts	Function
Main Cylinder	hydraulic fluid is pumped here for generating ram pressure and movement.
Hydraulic Pressure	Pressure applied to move the ram forward.
Ram	Steel rod that is attached to main cylinder with dummy block on the end.
Dummy Block	Tight fitting steel block connected to the ram, seals the billet.
Container	Chamber in an extrusion press needed for holding the billet.
Tool stack	Solid:
	Hollow:
Press leadout table	Table which supports extrusion
Platen Pressure Ring	Hardened tool steel ring that is inserted into platen for supporting die stack
Run Out Table	Table at immediate exit of press leadout device
Tie rods	Connects the front and back press platen
Canister	Used in guiding the aluminum extrusions from the die
Cradle	Bears the billet while it gets pushed into extrusion press with the pressure from the ram.
Die oven	Here dies are heated up to 750° - 900° F for min of 4-6 hours before it is used.
Die lock	Used for locking die into the die holder.
Die holder	Container for tool stack.

Selecting an Extrusion Press
Selecting the correct size of the extrusion press is very important for successfully carrying out the extrusion process, as the press size (as mentioned above) is critical. The factors that you should pay special attention to, while selecting an extrusion press are :

The required tolerance level which will vary as per your need.

• The thickness of the wall
• Circle size for each shape
• Diameter of the billet
• Ordered quantity

Low Dead Cycle Time Improves Productivity of Extrusion Press Dead cycle time on an extrusion press can be defined as the period of time which remains non-productive during the automatic mode of the extrusion press. Therefore a challenge to the extrusion process lies in minimising dead cycle time. Though speed is fundamental, but this must be got without inducing shocks. Shocks can result in an excessive strain to the machine, causing all sorts of problems and an excessive down time. There is need for a compromise as moving the press quickly is required along with having a full control. The challenge here is to balance the conflicting requirements. Only a detailed and broad understanding of all aspects of the machine can result in the perfect solution.