Many different shapes, both standard and custom, are made by aluminum extrusion companies. The standard shapes include the channels, angles, tubing, bar and even some types of aluminum trim. The custom shapes can include the same types of profiles, but with differences in measurements or in specific design elements based on a new product or perhaps a retrofit need.
Standard Shapes
These standard shapes, also called profiles, include those that are in regular demand. They may be used in just one industry, or they can be used across a wide range of industries. A good example of this would be rectangular aluminum tubing as well as T-slot systems or even aluminum rails.
Typically, aluminum extrusion companies will have better and more complete in-house inventory of standard extrusions. They will also provide more extrusions that are considered standard since they cater to those customers working with aluminum in manufacturing and fabrication.
Custom Extrusions
It is highly recommended to work directly with aluminum extrusion companies with design teams and support if you are creating a custom extrusion. Getting the die precise and knowing how to create an extrusion that is going to produce the profile you need and still be durable, reliable and reproducible will be critical.
Choosing a custom extrusion is going to be more costly than working with a standard shape that is in inventory. Aluminum extruders with dies available can help to reduce the cost if they are able to make modifications to existing dies or perhaps even have just what you are looking for in their selection.
There are times when a custom extrusion is the only answer. When this happens, you will want to choose an extrusion company with a top reputation, a good network of extrusion companies and the ability to help you to get the part you need within your time frame.
