An extruded shape is produced by hydraulically forcing a brass, bronze or other metal alloy billet, heated to a semi-plastic state, through a die opening of the desired contour. Any solid section other than standard rod, bar and wire sections furnished in straight extruded lengths is considered a shape. Extruded shapes are also known as a profiles, or sections.
A shape has irregular or unusual cross-sections. The extrusion process, coupled with the basic nature of brass and related copper alloys, makes possible a great variety of useful shapes.
Extruded shapes offer a component metal part with radii, contours and angles already pre-formed in the extrusion. This permits reduced scrap, eliminates or reduces machining and results in less labor. The wrought structure of a brass shape is strong and sound. The surface, as-extruded, is smooth. Shapes can be designed to have attractive beauty, or to serve a functional purpose.
For architectural applications extruded shapes are stretch-straightening to achieve commercial straightness and dimensional tolerances. Where straightness tolerances are more critical or the contour of the shape requires it, additional roll-straightening is performed. Architectural shapes are considered “As –Extruded” and are not cold-drawn to a specific temper. Architectural shapes are generally furnished in mill lengths of 12 to 16 feet.
