Once the extrusion process is complete, the resulting extrusions will often require finish machining as a secondary operation. Depending on the supplier and the required machining processes, this can sometimes be carried out by the extrusion company in-house; other times, the extruded parts will need to be sent to a precision machining company for this process to take place.
It is quite common for more complex machining processes to be carried out by a machining specialist, who will receive the extrusions on a free-issue basis and complete the necessary operations. This can be anything from drilling to milling, but may provide a more cost-effective alternative to having components machined from solid.
Used to produce
Required secondary machining processes on extruded parts.
Materials
Extruded components, which are free-issued to the machining supplier, are commonly made from aluminium, although they can also be made from plastic, copper, brass, steel, lead, tin and even titanium.
Advantages
Provides a cheaper alternative to having components machined from solid.
Disadvantages
Secondary operations may result in a longer lead time.