What We Do :: Hot Extrusion

Manufacturers worldwide have come to rely on the quality, cost and specialty solutions provided by Ansonia Copper & Brass.

Overview

Extrusion is a manufacturing process, which is the primary function of the Extrusion Department and is also done by the Tube Department.

Process

In this process, cast blocks are heated to very high temperatures, and then hot worked directly to much smaller products by high-pressure hydraulic presses. Cutting, cleaning and marking operations result in semi-finished products ready for further processing.

The Extrusion Department in Ansonia receives billets and blocks from Casting as well as outside suppliers for special high copper alloys. Billets are cut to length and loaded into the Elhaus block heating furnace, which raises the temperature up to the hot working temperature (700 to 1000 C) in about 2 hours.

The Schloemann, 4500 ton Indirect extrusion press loads the hot block in a container with the back end closed with a closure plate. The hydraulic, hollow stem, with the extrusion die on its end, is pressed into the front of the block, forcing the extrusion to exit through the stem to the coilers or table. Ansonia's process is "shell" extrusion, which removes the outside surface of the cast block during the push for surface quality improvement.

Standard Practices

The practices developed by the extrusion crews, metallurgists and supervisors are carefully documented, contain many complex combinations of temperatures, speeds, die materials, lubrication practices, and cooling methods. Each practice is intended to produce sound, good surface extrusions of exactly the right size and structure needed to satisfy the customer's requirements.

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