Hydro Extrusion North America, a a producer of high-quality aluminum extrusions, has placed an order with SMS to supply a complete 8-inch, 25 MN extrusion line.
The new eight-inch, 25-meganewton extrusion line (HybrEx) from SMS and OMAV, a brand of the SMS group specialising in aluminium extrusion lines, comes with a high-efficiency gas furnace and will replace an existing press line in Gainesville.
The line features the press and the patented electric scrap shear, which are designed to significantly enhance production efficiency, operational safety, and sustainability in the production of extruded profiles. Standout features of the HybrEx press include a significant reduction in hydraulic system oil usage, as traditional oil tanks and high-temperature cylinders around the hot billet container are no longer required. With the new press, a reduction in the oil volume is achieved by combining the use of hydraulics to generate the press force and the electrification of the travel paths, which ensure safe operation and consistent performance without any temperature-related fluctuations. According to SMS, this combination of hydraulic and oil quantity reductions means that over 30 percent less energy is consumed compared to conventional extrusion presses.
To deliver high precision and reliability in cutting processes, which are crucial for efficient production, SMS is supplying its patented electrical scrap shear. The fully electrical shear eliminates the need for hydraulic systems, creating an oil-free hot zone, which enhances operational safety and reduces environmental impact. This system incorporates a self-adjusting, moving scrap shear, which automatically adapts to the height of the material, ensuring optimal, clean cuts. Furthermore, electric shear technology addresses the wear challenges commonly associated with conventional systems, enhancing longevity and performance.
Hydro's Gainesville plant in Georgia has 350 employees and provides extrusion, fabrication, and finishing services to the building and construction industry and other key markets in North America.
Source: SMS group
