Over the last few decades, the use of aluminium extrusion has increased considerably, with an annual growth rate of more than 5% (source: Technavio).
The principle of aluminium extrusion:
At a fundamental level, the aluminium extrusion process is relatively simple to understand.
Simple infographic of an aluminium extrusion press
Starting out as a billet, the metal is forced by a ram through a die with a specific cross-section and comes out as a profile.
Aluminium extrusion can be done in 2 ways:
- cold: for alloys with low mechanical strength and high ductility (flexibility)
- hot: for alloys with higher mechanical strength
What is OptiPresse?
OptiPresse is a patented industrial intelligence module developed by Meta 2i and built into the KmProd5 software solution.
It is used by manufacturers with one or more hydraulic presses for aluminium extrusion.
OptiPresse came from a manufacturer’s need to reduce the scrap generated by its extrusion activity.
On the press, billets become aluminium profiles, which are sawn as they come out.
It was difficult for this manufacturer to set optimal extrusion parameters to avoid raw-material scrap, which, although recycled, was still waste.
OptiPresse determines the most efficient extrusion parameters in advance, based on past production data.
The profile is then cut at the best point, avoiding scrap and saving raw material, while improving the productivity of the press and the teams, as well as the plant’s overall performance.
Return on investment (ROI)
OptiPresse delivers a fast return on investment through:
- higher productivity.
- savings on raw material
This is part of KmProd’s Lean Manufacturing approach. The aim is always to produce better and faster, with better quality!
On average, our industrial customers see a 12% increase in the productivity of their presses and a 6% reduction in raw-material scrap.
