Aluminum Extrusion Terminology - G - S

Gloss – The brightness or shine of a surface, determined by the extent of light reflection from it. Generally, the smoother the surface is, the higher the shine or gloss.

Hardening – The process of deliberately increasing the hardness of a metal, using processes such as drawing, hammering, rolling, or other physical processes. Other treatments including cooling, drying, crystallization, and heating can also be used for hardening.

Heat Treating – A method of changing a metal or alloy’s physical or mechanical properties, usually with the intent of increasing its strength by cooling and heating the substance, either at fast or slow rates.

Mill Finish – The raw finish of extruded aluminum, as it exists when the product is first released from the extrusion mill, before any finishing processes are applied.

Polishing – The process of mechanical finishing of aluminum, which provides a smooth gloss to the surface. This protects the surface from oxidation and provides  an aesthetically pleasing appearance.

Powder Coating – The application of a decorative finish or coating to an extruded aluminum component by applying or spraying dry paint, which consists of a finely ground powder of coloring pigments and resins. The aluminum extrusion is heated in order to fuse the powder into a uniform and smooth coating. This coating also gives a protection from corrosion, making the product more durable.

Profile – A product manufactured by extrusion or other processes that is long and continuous in ratio to its cross-section. This is also sometimes referred to as an extruded shape.

Ram – Also known as stem, this is an attached rod or extension of the main cylinder of an extrusion press that is used to apply force on the dummy block, to push the billet into the die.

Ring Tooling – The part of the extrusion press that is like a cylindrical sleeve, holding the backer and die, in axial relationship to each other.

Run-out Table – A long platform or table, placed at the exit of the extrusion press to receive the hot extrusion as it transfers out of the machine. It provides support and guidance along the extrusion path and carries the extrusion on a conveyor belt to the cooling facility.

Sealing Pressure – The pressure required for sealing and locking the container with the die face in the process of extrusion.

Shear Strength – The amount of stress or shear that a material can bear or withstand without fracturing. It can also be described as the particular stress level that results in the failure of a material when subjected to deformation, stretching, or compression.