Our Chicago Slitter machine is equipped with two 60” injector slitter heads, which allows for quicker changeover and higher productivity. Our machine can can slit between 0.015” and 0.250” thickness at speeds up to 1,200 feet per minute. Contact us today for more info!
The extrusion process pushes metal through a pre-formed die to shape it into a carefully designed cross-sectional profile. This process can achieve intricate cross-sections while simultaneously creating a quality surface finish. Many find this process especially useful for weak or brittle metals, since extruding relies entirely on compression and shearing.
The extrusion process is available in two different types. Continuous extrusions, in theory, can go on forever, creating one endless piece of material. Semi-continuous extrusions, conversely, are created in sections and create multiple extruded pieces.
Extruding metals may also increase the strength of the material and can be done with either hot or cold material.
Heated billets of metal are hydraulically compressed into cylinders that contain dies. The dies allow the pressurized billet to escape via orifices of the desired shape. The metal emerges from these openings as a continuous bar with the same cross-sectional shape as the die opening. With the use of two sets of dies, stepped extrusions are created.
Lubricant reduces friction, protecting the die surfaces. Graphite is often used on non-ferrous alloys, and glass is the lubricant of choice for hot steel extrusion. The extrusion process can produce a wide array of configurations, including complex non-uniform and non-symmetrical shapes that would be difficult or impossible to roll. Metal extrusions can easily replace cumbersome or uneven seams created through other methods such as joining, welding, or riveting.
The extrusion of cold metal has gone by a variety of names, including:
However, cold extrusion is likely the most common term in the steel sector. Impact extrusion is also a widely accepted term for the cold extrusion of non-ferrous metals.
The process usually involves a high-speed punch, which strikes a metal blank within a die cavity. The force of the punch drives the blank through space between the punch and die. The speed and distance of the punch can be controlled via various mechanical settings on the machine itself. The thickness of the final extruded part is will be determined by the distance setting.
Cold extrusion offers high strength, because of severe strain-hardening, good finish, stringent accuracy, and lower production costs due to less operational setup and requirements.
Almost any metals can be extruded, though doing so can be cost-prohibitive for high strength alloys. Below is a list of the most common metals used independently, or as alloys, as well as examples of their common end uses.
Manufacturers can extrude aluminum—the most frequently extruded material—using either the hot or cold methods. Extruded aluminum can be fabricated, painted, and anodized, and it produces complex cross-sections with aesthetically pleasing surface finishes. Because of its high corrosion resistance and excellent thermal conductivity, extruded-aluminum products play large roles in the construction, automotive, aerospace, industrial, and domestic product manufacturing sectors. Because of its light weight and affordability, aluminum is the metal of choice for extrusion projects that seek to optimize strength without sacrificing the end product’s weight.
Brass extrusions create end products that resist corrosion, benefiting applications that require optimal performance for long periods in various weather or atmospheric conditions. Brass-extruded products are known for their durability and aesthetic appeal, providing a golden glaze on handrails, doors, columns, furniture, gates, and other ornamental materials. Brass products also form major parts of automotive components, pipe connectors, and industrial machinery.
Like aluminum, titanium provides a similar level of strength compared to heavier metals like steel, but its density is lighter, allowing manufacturers to reduce the amount their end products weigh. Aerospace manufacturers especially value titanium for its heat-resistant properties, keeping its shape at temperatures exceeding 800°C. Extruded titanium also undergoes a number of finishing processes such as heat treatment to refine grain structure and chemical treatment to enhance machinability.
Nickel extrusion creates high-strength products that are silver-gray in appearance. Despite nickel’s toughness, extruded-nickel products retain a degree of malleability that allow them to perform well in a variety of applications. Because nickel can withstand direct impacts without weighing too much, it’s ideal for door and window fasteners, locks, mining equipment, musical instruments, animal harnesses, electronic components, and industrial machinery. Nickel also can be alloyed with metals including silver, copper, and zinc, creating a variety of color customization options and allowing it to be used for a range of architectural purposes.
Metal extrusion also works well with copper, zirconium, and beryllium. Electronics manufacturers in particular rely on extruded copper to create wire, and it also forms essential parts of electrodes for welding, pipes, bars, and tubes. Zirconium benefits a wide range of forming and mechanical applications, and beryllium appears in many military and commercial guidance systems as well as the structural components of satellites and spacecraft, alloying well with copper.
Strong, durable, and light, extruded aluminum offers design flexibility as a corrosion-resistance choice for a wide variety of needs. Aluminum’s physical characteristics of malleability and ductility allow it to be easily extruded. At one third the density and stiffness of steel, extruded aluminum provides for both strength and stability at an efficient production cost. Coming with a low recyclability cost, aluminum has a very high rate of scrap recovery, making it a highly economical and environmentally sustainable material.
At Lynch Metals, we specialize in working with our customers to develop cost-effective engineered material solutions, such as extruded aluminum. Feel free to contact us with your questions regarding aluminum extrusion sourcing and distribution to see how Lynch Metals can positively impact your bottom line.
We use a custom designed Goebel Slitter, which is capable of cutting gauges between 0.001” and 0.012” with a maximum master coil width of 52” and maximum coil weight of 2,000 pounds. For the highest-quality heat transfer fins and light gauge foil products, team up with Lynch Metals!
Since opening in 1991, Lynch Metals has a premier North American supplier of aluminum fin stock and brazing sheet. While our initial focus was on aerospace, today we have expanded into other sectors, including automotive, signage, and telecommunications. We offer a range of in-house metal processing services for our customers, including:
We are the only distributor to operate a Kampf high-speed slitter, which runs at 1600 feet per minute. In addition we also have Chicago Slitter, Goebel, and Rusch slitters in house, and we have three Rowe cut-to-length processing lines. We can custom cut widths between 10 ft. and 60 ft. Rewinding inner core widths vary in size, according to each machine’s capability.
Our MetlSaw precision saw cutting machines produce burr-free edges, eliminating the need for smoothing and other secondary processes after cutting. These high-speed saws cut through both ferrous and non-ferrous materials, and are adept at achieving high production volumes. Our MetlSaw can cut a maximum of length of 192”, a maximum width of 24”, and a maximum thickness of 8”.
Many industries find customized blanks to be an economical alternative to stock sheet sizes. The signage sector also relies on blanks to manufacture products. Our advanced technology enables precise length tolerances of 0.01”. Cut-to-order blanks reduce waste, granting economies of scale and reduced costs.
The aerospace industry often chooses aluminum due to its strength-to-weight ratio and its inherent resistance to corrosion. Demand for aluminum in this sector is expected to double by 2028. As a distributor for several mills, Lynch Metals is poised to keep up with the increasing demand for aluminum parts and components. We can supply the fin stock and brazing sheets you need, when you need them.
Our proprietary Multiclad brazing sheet is well-suited for use by the aerospace sector. This unique brazing sheet consists of three layers instead of two, containing a 3003 interlayer between the 4000 Series cladding and the 6000 core. The result is a thinner, stronger sheet suitable for the stresses and harsh environments posed by aerospace applications.
Aluminum offers ideal properties for the automotive industry, including its crashworthiness—it absorbs shock twice as well as steel. Due to an increased focus on fuel efficiency and reducing emissions, lightweight aluminum is being used more in vehicle production.
Shortages of materials affect the entire supply chain, and this can be crippling in automotive. We source our brazing sheets from large, global producers, ensuring. stock is always available when you need it.
For easy identification, we can also mark the clad side of the brazing sheet with either a stencil or vinyl coating. These markings help to eliminate errors during production, ultimately reducing waste and reducing costs.
For storefront signage, we provide both channel letter coil and flat sheet stock. Our channel letter coil is used to manufacture three-dimensional lettering. We have more than 30 colors of aluminum for signage in stock to match your storefront or business aesthetic. Aluminum’s lighter weight and flexibility allow for creativity in your sign design.
Our customized blanking line enables us to produce signage with a variety of corner radii and holes. Aluminum signage withstands the day-to-day effects of outdoor conditions – up to and including severe weather – ensuring your sign will look professional for a long time to come.
The 4000 series aluminum alloy is created via a combination of aluminum and silicon. Due to its fluidity, this alloy is suitable for welding applications in the telecommunications industry. We can also use the 4000 series as brazing filler materials.
Our extensive inventory expands beyond aluminum, and also includes stainless steel and nickel alloys. With our custom stocking program and Just-in-Time deliveries, you can free up valuable floor space while eliminating the hassle of excessive inventory. To speak with a salesperson, receive a quote, or have a catalog sent to you, please contact us.
To cater to those in the automotive heat transfer industry, we use a high speed Kampf Fin Slitter. With this equipment aluminum, stainless steel, and nickel materials can be processed in thicknesses from 0.002” to 0.024” with speeds up to 1,600 feet per minute. Inquire today about how Lynch Metals can help with your next project!
At Lynch Metals, we continuously seek out the best machining tools and precision cutting equipment to support our operations. That is why we went to Chicago Slitter when we sought a machine to improve our coil slitting capabilities.
Chicago Slitter combines creative engineering and advanced technology to produce some of the most comprehensive coil processing solutions on the market. With more than 40 years in the business and a dedication to providing innovative production systems, we knew that Chicago Slitter would deliver a coil slitting machine that provided increased efficiency and maximum productivity.
Chicago Slitter coil slitting lines can tackle jobs ranging from simple to complex. The slitter features roll-only tension, wherein the metal is able to wind coils tightly without any risk of scratching the metal. Roll-only tension accomplishes this by eliminating surface-to-surface contact.
Coil slitting lines from Chicago Slitter feature higher yields, high versatility, and increased safety. This machine enables work with metals of different thickness levels and myriad surface conditions.
Chicago Slitter’s coil slitting lines also include other benefits, such as:
At Lynch Metals, we have an extensive quality management program that is both ISO 9001: 2015 and AS9100C certified, ensuring that you will get the best quality services, materials, and customer support that the industry has to offer.
Our new Chicago Slitter coil slitting line gives us improved capabilities, such as:
Our experienced team understands that slitting and rewinding aluminum and stainless steel can be a costly and timely process if not done with 100% accuracy and competence. That is why we only use advanced machines and extensively train our operators on their use.
With our high-performance coil slitting line, we are able to mass produce coils from 1-inch to 60-inches wide, and up to 18,000 pounds. The accuracy offered by our Chicago Slitter machine and the expertise of our staff mean that the end quality of these coils makes them ideal for high-performance applications in the automotive and aerospace sectors.
At Lynch Metals, we have a wide range of slitters, including the Kamph high-speed slitter, two industrial Ruesch slitters, three innovative Goebel slitters, and our Chicago Slitter. This range of equipment means we are not only able to give our customers the very best in accuracy and precision, but also an affordable solution to their mass production coil-slitting needs.
Aside from our high-quality coil slitting lines, we support all of our products with superior customer service. Our team will take the time to answer any questions or concerns that you may have about any of our services. If you would like to talk to someone about our coil slitting services, or any other aspect of our metal processing programs, please contact us today.
Industries across the manufacturing spectrum prize aluminum for its lightweight, yet durable properties and its excellent abilities to conduct thermal and electrical energy.
Aluminum 4047 is one of the most popular types of aluminum alloy. Often compared with aluminum 4043, it’s a non–heat-treated alloy primarily composed of silicon, iron, copper, zinc, magnesium, and aluminum.
Aluminum 4047’s higher silicon content minimizes its shrinkage and gives it a smooth finish, setting it apart from aluminum 4043. Furthermore, it can withstand higher temperatures than other aluminum alloys, meaning that it performs better in automotive and aerospace applications.
Aluminum 4047 comes with many advantages, including:
Aluminum 4047 appears throughout the welding industry and forms invaluable parts of the automotive, aerospace, and architectural manufacturing.
Aluminum 4047 works well as a cladding alloy or filler material.
Cladding protects less wear-resistant metals by coating them with a protective metal. Aluminum 4047’s strength renders it an excellent cladding material without drastically increasing the cladded product’s weight.
Aluminum 4047 can be found in a number of vehicle parts due to its ability to handle adverse environmental conditions without increasing the vehicle’s weight. It also appears in engine blocks, especially crankcases. Cars constructed of aluminum alloys often employ space frames made of extruded profiles to guarantee rigidity.
Aluminum–magnesium alloys have formed essential parts of aerospace projects since the adoption of metal-skinned aircraft. Aluminum 4047 resists heat much better than other alloys when combined with magnesium, reducing the flammability of finished projects. The aerospace industry also avoids stress and heat-related wear by joining parts using aluminum 4047 fasteners.
You can find aluminum 4047 practically everywhere. It appears in window frames, leak-tight joints, welding filler wires, and housing. The alloy also clads microwave-integrated circuits with laser-welded covers. Any type of construction that requires a lightweight yet durable material stands to benefit from the use of aluminum 4047 alloys.
Founded in 1985, Lynch Metals is a premier supplier of aluminum brazing sheets throughout North America. We credit our success to our team of welding experts, knowledgeable sales representatives, extensive inventory, and specialized processing equipment. We’re also one of the largest distributors of both painted and anodized sheet in North America.
To learn more about our aluminum offerings as well as our line of steel products, contact us today.
Various objects can be manufactured by extrusion, a method that entails pushing metallic alloys through unique cross-sectional dies. Aluminum is among the many metals that can be extruded.
Aluminum extrusion simplifies the creation of objects with complex cross-sections. Aside from its use in custom dies for various applications, aluminum extrusions are used in t-slot aluminum and aluminum angles, among other profiles.
Because of their adaptability and practicality, aluminum extrusions are well-suited to a wide range of applications. Their many advantages include:
Aluminum extrusions are widely used in many industries, including the following:
Aerospace
Structural panels, mechanical equipment, and electronic components all make use of aluminum extrusions. Airport ramps used to board aircrafts are also made from aluminum extrusions.
Transportation
Cars and trains both have extruded aluminum panels and components, including engine blocks, transmission housings, and roof rails and chassis. Because of their thermal conductivity, aluminum extrusions can also be found in automobile radiators and condenser tubes. Aluminum extrusions are also used in gangways that load people, cargo, and vehicles, as well as other transportation equipment.
Building and Construction
Aluminum extrusions for building systems include components that resist weather damage and protect building movement. Aluminum extrusions are also found in building facades, railings, balustrades, and canopies. Roofing, window and door frames, wall panels, partitions, and bathroom fittings are among the many architectural components made out of aluminum extrusions. Because they do not rust, they are particularly useful for any structure exposed to the elements.
Because of aluminum’s inherent advantages over other metals, aluminum extrusions are a preferred building material for heavy industry. Because of its unique properties, it can handle nearly any task or function with ease.
Since 1991, Lynch Metals has supplied manufacturers across the country with the finest extrusion services in the industry. We offer a broad range of custom aluminum extrusions, including fabricated, painted, and anodized products. Regardless of the application, we take the time to thoroughly evaluate our clients’ needs and develop a cost-effective engineered material solution for them, ensuring that our products provide a lifetime of value.
For more information on our products and services, contact us today. If you’re interested in working with us, request a quote on our website.
The process of brazing entails the joining of metals with melted aluminum. It produces a much cleaner joint than other joining methods such as welding and eliminates the need for post-processing.
Aluminum brazing is ideal for large flat surface materials, as it uses pressure to reinforce joints. Since it can be used to join parts made of different materials, it is also a cost-effective option for composite or assembled parts.
Because brazing is performed in large furnaces that can accommodate bulk materials, it is particularly well-suited to mass production. If necessary, another brazing material can also be used in the process.
There are two types of aluminum brazing: aluminum dip brazing and aluminum vacuum brazing. Each process offers a distinct set of advantages.
Aluminum dip brazing involves placing brazing sheets in molten salt to break down metal oxides. The filler metal is initially positioned outside of the joint and heated to molten temperature before it enters it. As it travels through the joint, the filler metal expels the flux from it.
Unlike aluminum vacuum brazing, this procedure does not apply pressure to a joint. As a result, it can be used on parts without large flat surfaces or similarly sensitive materials.
Alloys subjected to aluminum dip brazing offer greater strength and an increased resistance to corrosion. Since they conduct heat effectively, they are also particularly useful for heat transfer applications.
Aluminum vacuum brazing uses a clean vacuum environment without a flux. Because it applies pressure to the parts to be joined, it can only be used for flat, horizontal surfaces. In contrast, this process is designed for parts that are not flat.
During aluminum vacuum brazing, pressure is applied to a metal part to break down its oxide layer. The filler metal is then diffused into the base metal. Because the filler metal is inserted into the joint before brazing begins, the process results in a cleaner and more precise joint.
Aluminum vacuum brazing can be performed on metals with objects and cross-sections with different dimensions, making it a particularly versatile solution. Because it offers greater precision than dip brazing, it’s best suited to any application that requires strict consistency.
Aluminum dip brazing and aluminum vacuum brazing are far better options than other joining methods, providing manufacturers with more durable and effective products. As with any manufacturing technique, however, any prospective user should thoroughly consider their needs to ensure that they invest in the best strategy for their applications.
If you need appropriate equipment for your brazing processes, the experts at Lynch Metal can help. Since 1991, we’ve been a trusted leader in the distribution of flux brazing alloys used in aluminum dip brazing and aluminum brazing fins and sheets used in aluminum vacuum brazing.
Our extensive inventory, specialized processing equipment, and years of experience make us the go-to resource for your aluminum brazing needs. From aerospace to telecommunications, we’re able to provide manufacturers in every major industry with reliable and efficient solutions to their brazing challenges.
For more information on our products and services, contact us today. If you’re interested in working with us, request a quote on our website.
Lynch Metals is proud to be the premier stocking distributor of aluminum brazing sheet in North America, supplying the aerospace, automotive, signage, and telecommunications industries with top-of-the-line, high-performance materials. Our vast inventory includes 1100, 1145, and 3003 aluminum fin, as well as #7, #8, #13, and #14 brazing sheet.Aluminum fin is used to efficiently transfer heat. For instance, Lynch’s 1100, 1145, and 3003 aluminum fin are typically found in air coolers, evaporators, condensers, radiators, humidifiers, and baseboard heaters. Today, aluminum fin is favored over copper, offering lighter weight, better conductivity, and superior corrosion resistance. Lynch’s precision high-speed equipment can run aluminum fin stock as light as 0.001”.
Put simply, brazing is the process in which two or more metal items are joined together by pouring a filler metal into the joint. The filler metal fills the gap between the close-fitting parts via capillary action. The filler is brought just above its melting temperature and is typically protected by a flux, such as borax. This flows over the base metal in a process called wetting, and is cooled to join the pieces together. Flux can be applied as a paste, liquid, or powder, and can also be applied via brazing rods. Brazing sheets can play a critical role in this process, serving as a very convenient method for pre-placing filler metal.
Variables such as temperature, vacuum level, and cycle time are strictly controlled during brazing based on the specific materials being used. There are several types of brazing available, including flux brazing and vacuum brazing — two very popular methods.
During flux brazing, flux pours into the joint, which then is dislodged by the liquid filler to remove oxides on the part, completing the braze. Manual and automatic torch brazing, induction brazing, dip brazing, and controlled atmosphere brazing are common types of flux brazing.
Vacuum aluminum brazing, on the other hand, occurs in a vacuum furnace, or can be performed using inert gas atmospheres. With this method, flux is not needed to create joints due to the vacuum’s clean environment. Magnesium is used as an additive — also known as a “getter” — during the vacuum aluminum brazing process.
During welding, two metals are melted together to join them. During brazing, on the other hand, two or more materials are merged via the use of a third material. The cleanliness of parts is much more important for brazing, and because less heat is used during the process, contaminants are less likely to burn up. Brazing also allows for tighter control over tolerances.
Producing a reliably clean joint, brazing allows non-similar metals to be easily joined together. This technique is also more cost-effective, especially for complex and multipart pieces. Brazing is well-suited for mass production and is simple to automate, allowing for savings on costs and labor.
Ready to get started on your aluminum brazing project, or looking to learn more about the process and how it can benefit your unique application? Contact the experts at Lynch Metals today.
