Have anyone ever play a toy called Play-Doh? It is where you put a modeling compound (plasticine) into a toy machine and squeeze it into model like french fries (picture at right)? It is the very same concept here that is being used in aluminium extrusion. But instead of putting potatoes into the machine (hehe!), we are putting in aluminium alloys into a large extrusion machine to produce extruded aluminium.

Simple isn't it. Well it is easier say than done. Actually it is far more complicated than that. The process begins by heating the stock material. Then it is then loaded into the container in the press. A dummy block is placed behind it where the ram then presses on the material to push it out of the die. Afterward the extrusion is stretched in order to straighten it. If better properties are required then it may be heat treated or cold worked. There you have it.

So does this help you in understanding more about aluminium extrusion. If you got any question about it, please post a question in the comment and I'll gladly answer them for you.