This chapter opens with a discussion of the classification of rod and tube extrusion processes. The standard processes involve hot working (extrusion at temperatures above room temperature), but some specialized cold working processes are also used for rod and tube extrusion. The next section reviews principles, variations, thermal conditions, axial load calculation, material flow, and applications of direct extrusion and indirect extrusion, with examples provided for extrusion of aluminum and copper alloys. Next, the chapter focuses on the process principles, advantages, and applications of conventional hydrostatic extrusion and thick film processes. This is followed by sections providing information on the special extrusion processes, namely conform process and cable sheathing. The chapter ends with a discussion on direct and indirect tube extrusion.

This chapter begins with a description of the requirements of tooling and tooling material for hot extrusion. It covers the processes of designing tool and die sets for direct and indirect extrusion. Next, the chapter provides information on extrusion tooling and die sets for direct external and internal shape production and tools for copper alloy extrusion. Further, it addresses design, calculation, and dimensioning of single-piece and two-part containers and describes induction heating for containers. Information on static- and elastic-based analysis and dimensioning of containers loaded in three dimensions is provided. Examples of calculations for different containers, along with their stresses and dimensions, are presented and the manufacture, operation, and maintenance of containers are described. The chapter further discusses the properties and applications of hot working materials for the manufacture of extrusion tooling and of different extruded materials for the manufacture of extrusion tooling for direct and indirect forming.

The machinery and equipment required for rod and tube extrusion is determined by the specific extrusion process. This chapter provides a detailed description of the design requirements and principles of machinery and equipment for direct and indirect hot extrusion. It then covers the presses and auxiliary equipment for tube extrusion, induction furnaces for billet processing, handling systems for copper and aluminum alloy products, extrusion cooling systems, and age-hardening ovens. Next, the chapter describes the principles and applications of equipment for the production of aluminum and copper billets. Then, it focuses on process control in both direct and indirect hot extrusion of aluminum alloys without lubrication. The chapter describes the technology of electrical and electronic controls in the extrusion process. It ends with a discussion on the factors that influence the productivity and quality of the products in the extrusion process and methods for process optimization.

The aim of every extrusion plant is the efficient production of competitive products that meet the appropriate quality requirements. This chapter discusses the processes involved in the selection and introduction of a quality management system, along with its application, advantages, and disadvantages. It describes the process chain for order processing within the quality circle and provides information on product liability legal issues. In addition, the chapter discusses the processes involved in quality control, along with its organization, responsibilities, audits, and testing.

This chapter discusses the basic differences between direct and indirect extrusion, the application of plastic theory, the significance of strain and strain rate, friction, and pressure, and factors such as alloy flow stress and extrusion ratio, which influence the quality of material exiting the die and the amount of force required.

This chapter provides an overview of the thermodynamics of extrusion. It begins by presenting a thermodynamic model of the extrusion process expressed in the form of finite difference equations. It then explains how the model accounts for multiple sources of heat generation, the influence of principal variables on temperature rise, and different types of temperature measurements. It also discusses the benefits of isothermal extrusion and how it achieves consistent mechanical properties in extruded components.

This chapter covers the different types of extrusion presses in use, discussing their relative advantages, operating parameters, and selection factors. It describes the function of major components, including containers, stems, dummy pads, and die carriers, the maintenance they require, and their impact on productivity and the quality of extrusions. It also discusses the integration of auxiliary equipment such as log heaters and shears, quench systems, die ovens, pullers, stretchers, and stackers.

This chapter familiarizes readers with the design, configuration, and function of tooling and dies used to extrude aluminum alloys. It discuses basic design considerations, including the geometry, location, and orientation of die openings; allowances for thermal shrinkage, stretching, and deflection; and the length and profile of bearing surfaces. It outlines the steps and processes involved in die making, describes the selection and treatment of die materials, and examines the factors that influence friction and wear. It also discusses the general procedures for on-site die correction.

This chapter discusses the extrusion characteristics of relatively soft aluminum alloys. It begins by identifying alloy designations within the class and the types of extrusions made from them. It then explains how extruded shapes and cross-sections are defined and how to analyze and assess important process variables such as runout, extrusion pressure, ram speed, and butt thickness. It also provides best practices for various operations and explains how to identify and remedy common extrusion defects.

This chapter discusses the extrusion characteristics of hard aluminum alloys, particularly those in the 5000 and 7000 series. It begins with a review of two studies, one showing how the extrudability of 7 xxx alloys varies with the presence and amount of different alloying elements, the other relating minimum wall thickness with circumscribing circle diameter. It then explains how oxides on either the billet or container complicate the control of extrusion as well as auxiliary processes and how material flow and the movement of trapped gasses in different regions of the extrusion can lead to defects and variations in strength. It also discusses the extrusion of aluminum matrix composites and explains how composite billets are made.

This chapter provides guidelines on how to set up and run an effective quality-improvement program for aluminum extrusion operations. It begins by identifying production processes and variables that impact the quality of hard and soft alloy extrusions. It then presents a series of checklists and flowcharts that can be used to monitor and troubleshoot billet-making and extrusion processes, die construction, equipment maintenance, heat treating, and sawing and stretching procedures. It also discusses the importance of charting test results and monitoring surface treatments that may be required to improve corrosion, oxidation, or wear resistance.