Impact Extrusion Tube

Aluminum Impact Extrusion Tube: Cold-Formed Thin-Wall Tubes in Multiple Sizes

The aluminum impact extrusion tube is a thin-walled round tube produced by cold impact extrusion. Al Forge Tech (AFT) can produce a family of diameters and lengths for the same program, from short to long tubes as shown. In impact extrusion, an aluminum slug is placed in the die and struck by a punch at high speed, so the metal flows up through the gap between punch and die to form the tube wall.

Compared with cutting and machining extruded tube, impact extrusion produces the wall and end shape in one stroke, with even wall thickness and smooth inner and outer surfaces. It suits high-volume tubular parts that need consistent dimensions, such as shock absorber bodies, hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder housings, filter housings and protective sleeves. AFT's cold forging presses range from 260T to 2,500T to cover different tube diameters.

Key Features

• Multiple diameters and lengths can be run as one product family
• Cold formed for even wall thickness and smooth surfaces
• Eliminates cut-off and machining steps of extruded tube
• Open end, bore, OD and faces can be finish-turned

Aluminum Impact Extrusion Tube Specifications and Manufacturing Capability

Aluminum Impact Extrusion Tube Manufacturing Process

1. Drawing review and DFM: we confirm alloy, load direction and critical dimensions, then run QForm simulation to predict metal flow and defect risk.
2. Die design and manufacturing: the number of die sets (for example, blocker and finisher dies) is planned around part complexity, and die contours are checked with a portable 3D scanner.
3. Cold forging: impact extrusion on 260T–2,500T presses, suited to thin-walled, tubular and dimensionally repeatable parts.
4. Heat treatment: T4 solution treatment and T6 artificial aging are performed in-house, with parameters set by alloy and strength requirement.
5. CNC machining and finishing: holes, threads and mating surfaces are machined, followed by deburring, vibratory finishing, shot blasting or anodizing as required.
6. Inspection and shipment: dimensions, hardness and chemical composition are verified with CMM, hardness testers and a spectrometer, with lot traceability kept under IATF 16949.

FAQ

What is the difference between an impact extruded tube and an extruded tube?

Extruded tube is pushed continuously through an extrusion press and cut to length, which suits long profiles with a constant cross-section. An impact extruded tube is formed from a single slug in one stroke, producing the wall together with a base or end feature, which suits fixed-length, high-volume parts that need a closed or shaped end. AFT runs both processes and can recommend the better fit by geometry and volume.

Does each size in a tube family need its own die?

Usually yes. A different diameter, wall thickness or length changes the punch and die dimensions, so each size needs its own tool set. However, sizes in one family can share similar tool designs and process parameters, which shortens development and validation. Sending the full size table with annual volumes per size helps AFT plan tooling and production.

How do you keep the Aluminum Impact Extrusion Tube consistent from lot to lot?

Al Forge Tech runs incoming (IQC), in-process (IPQC) and final (FQC) inspection under IATF 16949:2016, supported by 4 Zeiss CMMs, hardness testers, a spectrometer and a fluorescent penetrant inspection line. First, middle and last pieces of every lot are checked against the die; when wear causes dimensional drift, the die is reworked to keep the Aluminum Impact Extrusion Tube stable across lots.

How are MOQ and lead time for the Aluminum Impact Extrusion Tube determined?

MOQ and lead time depend on part size, number of die sets, alloy and machining scope, and are confirmed in the quotation after drawing review. The typical sequence is die development, forged samples, sample approval and then mass production. Sharing your annual volume and call-off schedule helps us plan dies and capacity for the Aluminum Impact Extrusion Tube.

Can Al Forge Tech supply the Aluminum Impact Extrusion Tube from forging through machining?

Yes. Forging, heat treatment, CNC machining, surface finishing and inspection are integrated in one facility: 52 CNC machining centers (40 four-axis and 12 4.5-axis), 30 lathes (14 with robotic loading), plus broaching, burnishing and centerless grinding. The Aluminum Impact Extrusion Tube can be delivered as a forged blank, semi-finished or fully machined part.

Request a Quote for the Aluminum Impact Extrusion Tube

Developing a new Aluminum Impact Extrusion Tube or converting an existing part to aluminum forging? Send us your 3D/2D drawings, alloy and temper, annual volume and finishing requirements. Our engineering team will reply with a feasibility review, die plan and quotation.

• Online inquiry: Contact Us
• Email: aft@aft-forge.com.tw

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