An excellent use of aluminum extrusions is for producing sunroof channels. These channels need a smooth, low friction and hard wearing surface as they are part of a sliding system. And this is made possible by using aluminum extrusions as they have high quality surface finish.
Once this is done, the extrusions? surfaces are anodized to make the extrusion harder than its metal alloy for better protection. It is important that the extrusions meet tighter tolerances than normal to ensure that these sunroof channels fit with the remaining assembly of the vehicle. The properties of the alloy are controlled using alloy design, formability and optimization of its strength.
Minimum variability in the assembly of sunroof channels
It is also possible to tightly control section shape using die management so that the extrusion is consistent in shape. It is because of all these quality materials, dimensions and fabrication that there is minimum variability in the components of the assembly line of sunroof channels.
Another major application of aluminum extrusions in automobiles is in the manufacture of roof rails. These roof rails add little to the weight of the automobile while providing great help in hauling luggage and equipment while traveling.
To ensure that roof rails are of repeatable quality and found in large numbers, extrusions are manufactured using an optimized alloy composition, the right heat treatment and precision in process control. This done, the completed aluminum extrusion has the structural capability required to carry heavy loads on the automobile.
Consistency is important in roof rails
There cannot be any changes in the production of roof rail extrusions as consistency is very important for the bending of the extrusions. A slight change in the yield stress of the roof rail can led to a difference in the position of the final bent section of the rail. This is why it is important to have tight control on the manufacture of aluminum extrusions and higher levels of tolerance controls in the extrusions.
The rising demand for secure vehicles leads to extra safety features being added to vehicles. However the addition of these safety features can also lead to an increase in the weight of the vehicle. So aluminum side intrusion beams are the best choice for safety devices as they not only provide safety to the vehicle, it induces minimal weight gain to the vehicular weight.
Various other applications
It is possible to create single stage manufacture of these side intrusion beams using specialized alloy designs, heat treatment and controlled extrusion conditions. This also helps in producing side intrusion beams with enhanced strength and ductility.
These are only a few applications of aluminum extrusion in automobiles. There are various other applications used by different vehicle manufacturers for different models and makes of vehicles.
