While raw aluminum extrusions do have some value on their own, most extrusions only become beneficial through a finishing process. There are three main processes that transform a raw piece of aluminum into a final product: Forming: Such as tubular hydroforming, stamping, and bendingMachining: Such as drilling and tapping, punching, automated deburring and sanding, fully-integrated… Read More
If you’re still looking at your raw aluminum extrusions as low-value commodities, it’s time to re-evaluate your extrusions ROI. With the right machining and finishing touches, those dull, straight extrusions are just waiting to be turned into profit. Transforming Extrusions into Value-Added Parts Like diamonds in the rough, aluminum extrusions are just waiting for the… Read More
There are a number of benefits to extrusions as opposed to casting or forging metal parts. These benefits are particularly apparent in pieces that are near net shape and produced in long lengths. One of the challenges extruders have is that their use for complex parts can be limited. This is why it is so… Read More
Choosing the right finishing option for a stainless steel handle is a critical decision. It can make or break the end result — especially in a design era when stainless steel is one of the most popular material choices requested of handles manufacturers. Contrary to popular opinion, "stainless steel" is not a singular type of material with… Read More
By any count, there are over 150 grades of stainless steel available. Appliance stainless steel handle manufacturers typically use just four of these many options: 304, 439, 441, and 201 grade stainless. Below we outline the defining characteristics of each grade and discuss why and when stainless steel handle manufacturers choose one over the other.… Read More
With kitchen appliance handle design trending away from the contoured look that was favored by OEMs for more than a decade to a more commercial-kitchen, almost industrial aesthetic, different approaches to handle manufacturing are required. Whereas tubular hydroforming and tubular stamping were good fits for creating gently curved metal appliance handles that were lightweight and… Read More
If you wanted a wedding cake, you wouldn't have one bakery make the batter, another bakery bake the layers, and a third bakery do the icing and decorations — yet that is exactly what happens as many manufacturers turn to a metal fabricator and then a metal finisher to get their metal products made. Adding suppliers to any production… Read More
