01 October 2004

Gulf Extrusions, a UAE-based market leader in aluminium extrusion, has developed a new aluminium alloy that provides a high-quality surface finish even at significantly high extrusion speeds.

The new alloy can be used as raw material through extrusion processes accelerated to an amazing 133 per cent higher than normal production speeds, says a spokesman for the company. While optimising machine use for extruders, the alloy will ensure higher productivity without requiring higher investment in production equipment.
“For an extruder, it is always a challenge to improve machine output and achieve higher metal recovery. The development of the new alloy was a result of Gulf Extrusions’ investment into improved product quality, as well as optimised extrusion processes,” explains Robert Holtkamp, director of sales and marketing. “That means, with the existing infrastructure, Gulf Extrusions will now have significantly higher production capacities, without compromising on the structural strength or surface quality of the extruded profiles.”
The development of the alloy was the result of an experiment that was carried out by Gulf Extrusions, with the support of Dubai Aluminium Company (Dubal), over a period of two years. The objective of the experiment was to examine and improve upon the output limitations of normal extrusion processes. It was noted that many factors influence machine output; with one of the most important being the speed at which the extrusion process takes place. The existing composition of the aluminium alloy 6063 (most commonly used in extrusion processes) could support speeds of approximately 30 m/min (metres per min). At speeds higher than this, the extruded profile becomes prone to problems such as high temperature surface cracking (or hot tearing), resulting in poor surface finish and lower over all quality.
During the experiment, Gulf Extrusions trialled four different aluminium alloy compositions, as well as improved die designs to facilitate higher m/min ratio, without affecting the surface finish. 
The chosen alloy could sustain improved extrusion speeds ranging from 87.5 per cent to 133 per cent, depending on the extrusion die used.
Besides sustaining high speeds and delivering good results for all kinds of surface treatments, including anodising, the new alloy also facilitates extrusion of complicated profile shapes without creating any process difficulties. It has also been extensively tested for quality and strength and has proven to have mechanical properties of the highest standards.
Besides being a market leader in the GCC, Gulf Extrusions also exports to the UK, Germany and Canada, as well as other countries worldwide.

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Gulf Construction is the undisputed leading trade journal for the building and construction industries of Saudi Arabia and the other Gulf states. The magazine provides editorial coverage on a wide range of topics which are of interest to industry professionals. In addition, regular features highlight technological developments within specific industry fields. Launched 40 years ago, the magazine has established an enviable reputation as an authoritative, respected journal with unmatched coverage of the Gulf region. Gulf Construction is essential reading for anyone with a serious interest in the region’s building and construction industry.