Reverse extrusion is a process in which materials are forced through a die in the opposite direction of normal flow. This is a common, highly customized process used to manufacture a variety of products, including parts for the automotive, aerospace, medical device and consumer products industries.
Reverse extrusion involves a wide range of materials, including metals and plastics. The process is relatively simple, requiring only a feedstock in the form of a continuous length of material, a die and a mechanical device to push the material through the die. The result is a finished product that can include complex cross-sections, o-rings, grooves and other intricate shapes.
The first step of a reverse extrusion process is to create a die that conforms to the desired shape of the finished product. The die is usually machined out of a hardened tool steel and then heat-treated to provide greater durability and tolerance accuracy. Next, the feedstock material is cut to the correct length, fed into the die, and then forced through with a mechanical device. Depending on the type of products being manufactured, an hydraulic, pneumatic or mechanical device may be used.
Once the feedstock material is completely pushed through the die and takes the shape of the die, the finished product is cut from the feedstock. Typically, this will occur by a saw or a tool mounted in the press that cuts the product from the rest of the feedstock material. The product will then be sent to post-processing operation such as de-burring, anodizing, or plating for further refinement. Lastly, the product will be inspected to ensure it meets specific requirements.
Reverse extrusion offers several advantages to manufacturers over traditional extrusion techniques. By using a reverse extrusion process, products with complex geometries can be manufactured with a high degree of accuracy and minimal waste. In addition, reverse extrusion provides cost-efficient production that can scale to small and large production runs, making it an attractive option for a variety of manufacturing needs.
