The ability for engineers to utilize a near-net shape process coupled with a list of superior physical characteristics, offers unsurpassed advantages through the aluminum extrusion process. Aluminum has numerous design advantages, in terms of physical and chemical characteristics as well as providing beneficial tooling advantages and reduced lead-times.
| Process | Typical Tooling | Tooling Lead-Time |
| Aluminum Extrusion | $1,000 – $4,500 | 10-14 days |
| Vinyl Extrusion | Up to $2,500 | 21 – 24 days |
| Injection Molding | $20,000 and up | 42 – 56 days including offshore |
| Die Casting | Up to $35,000 | 56 – 84 days |
| Roll Forming | Up to $35,000 | 70 – 84 days |
| Stampings (short run) | Up to $3,500 | 49 – 56 days |
| Stampings (long run) | Up to $8,000 | 49 – 56 days |
| Permanent Mold Casting | $5,000 – $20,000 | 56 – 84 days |
| Sand Casting | $1,500 – $6,000 | 14 – 28 days |
| Plastic Thermoforming | $1,750 – $7,5000 | 14 – 28 days |
*Dependent on size and part complexities
The First To Market Always Wins
From prototyping to full production, no other process offers engineers faster turn-around from actual production tooling. While dies can be made in as little as a week or two, other processes such as roll form, injection mold, and die casting may require as much as 20 weeks. The best combination of product performance, quality, and cost is achieved when the customer, the product designer, and the aluminum extruder collaborate to develop the optimum product through innovative die designs with the ability to meet tight dimensional tolerances with minimal die deflection.
Alexandria Industries recognizes the importance of providing customers with more than just high quality, precision extrusions. As a full-service aluminum extruder, customers take advantage of a fully staffed in-house tooling department. Our degreed tool and die makers are involved from the initial design of every value added project. With 50 years of advanced tooling and die making experience, our customers have received aluminum extrusion tooling with minimal die deflections and achieved immediate success during the preliminary run of materials. Our die trials are among the highest success ratings within the industry at 95%.
We offer an in-depth aluminum extrusion seminar at your site to educate designers and engineers about extrusion design options and tooling philosophies. If you would like to discuss your design and tooling needs or learn more about the aluminum extrusion seminar, please contact your sales specialist.