Question

For the aluminum structural member shown, provide an explanation for which processes you think were used in its manufacture and why. See Figure P2.28.

 

Figure P2.28.

Answer 1

The given shape of the product is most likely manufactured by using an extrusion process. The process involves in pushing a material or drawing through a die of desired cross section. The product given has constant cross section geometry of the member which can only be achieved by an extrusion process.

 

However, the shorter pieces of the same product can be die cast, but the longer pieces are produced by using extrusion process. In extrusion process, the member can be extruded directly in the direction of mandrel shape or indirectly in the opposite direction of the mandrel shape with respect to the die position. The given product can be machined which is more time consuming and costly process for such a part but the machining of smaller parts which cannot be extruded can be done easily and economically.

The given shape of the product is most likely manufactured by using an extrusion process