Many extruders require their customers to order a minimum of 2,000 lbs per order. Futura will extrude orders as small as 500 lbs. However, If you only need 100 lbs, we can run that also, but be advised there will be setup fees for orders less than 500 lbs. Please note that we have found the most optimum cost for the customer is running an order at 500 lbs or greater..

Contrary to what most people think, extrusion dies are inexpensive. Dies range from about $1000 for simple solid profiles to $3,500 for complex multiple hollow dies. At Futura Industries, once you have purchased a die it belongs to you and all maintenance and upkeep is performed by Futura.

When considering vendors of extruded parts/components that require value added processes such as fabrication, machining, anodizing, look for an extruder who can provide all of these services under one roof. This will limit the amount of time required to manage orders and usually save you money over multiple vendors. A single source vendor also eliminates the hassle of get involved in the "finger pointing game" when one vendor blames his defective parts on another vendor. Single vendors assume the responsibility of quality from start to finish. (No more need to inspect parts after each vendor performs its process) You may also want to look for an extruder that is ISO 9001:2000 registered. This means that they have certified procedures in place.

Depending upon the requirements for your extrusions, most extruders lead times can be anywhere from 2 weeks to 8 weeks. Futura Industries has expected lead times for different operations. Mill Finish extrusion is shipped in 2-3 weeks, anodized extrusion is shipped in 3-4 weeks and machined extrusion is shipped in 5-6 weeks, any special additional processing may extend your lead time. (all these lead times are approximate, and orders can be expidited for an additional fee)

Alloy - This may be the most critical design element when creating an extrusion. Choosing the right alloy determines strength, finish and machine-ability of an aluminum extrusion. Make sure that the extruder matches the best alloy for your specific extrusion.
Finish - Surface finish quality is one of the most important determinations you will have to make. Exposed surface quality expectation has a huge impact on what your cost will be. Understanding what benefits each finish will provide to you is critical.
High finish (QG1) - Should be applied to any surface where more than light imperfections are not acceptable. Typically to obtain this high quality finish a buffing/polishing process is required. Standard finish (QG2) - Should be applied to most products that are not highly visible or decorative in nature. Light to moderate imperfections are acceptable with this selection.
Non-exposed (QG3) - Typically used when surfaces are not exposed or the quality is not critical. Moderate to heavy defects are acceptable with this selection.
Temper - This helps determine the hardness of your extrusion. Heat treatable extrusions are able to obtain maximum strengths vs. non-heat treatable extrusions. Heat treatable extrusions are 2xxx, 6xxx and 7xxx series alloys. Special note: For structural applications that require 6061 alloy it is wise to consider 6005A as a substitute. 6005A is comparable in mechanical properties and is much easier to manufacture. Any design with intricate profile features and a high strength requirement will benefit from this selection.
Straightness / Twist/bow - Is defined by the Aluminum Association Standards however on certain profiles Futura can provide up to half of standard tolerance.

Design engineers that have experience designing and extruding custom extrusions can help you design your product. In many cases, extrusion design engineers can show you ways to reduce lbs/ft, or make a design easier to extrude. Both are ways to reduce overall costs of extrusions. Include a detailed drawing indicating the exposed and non-exposed surfaces. This will ensure proper attention is given to critical surfaces on the extrusion and keep costs to a minimum, as material is not scrapped for acceptable defects in non-exposed areas.

This question will ultimately have to be answered by you. We recommend that you choose an extruder based on their ability to provide you what you want, when you need it. We believe that Futura Industries is the best choice for an extruder if you need someone to "value add" your extrusions. Futura has the unique ability amongst extruders to morph itself to service a vast array of customers. If you don't think that Futura can provide you with what you need go to www.aec.org for a complete listing of aluminum extruders.

Depending upon the finish requirements of your extrusions you will want to select a cost effective method of packaging. If the material is a grade 1 finish you will want to protect the surface with paper sleeves or wrapping to prevent surface abrasions during shipping. If the material being produced is a grade 3 a cleated bundle would be a more cost effective way to package the material for shipping. Futura's new product engineers will be able to suggest the best packaging method for your type of product.

Aluminum industry standards, which are voluntary, have been developed and continue to evolve to meet the need for a communication system to facilitate aluminum commerce. The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and the Aluminum Association (AA) define the structure for this communication system. The majority of Aluminum Extruders adhere to these set standards, however on certain profiles Futura can provide up to half of standard tolerance.

When it comes down to making a decision, we understand that our potential customers must feel confident that the company they choose to do business with will take care of all of their needs. We understand this need. This is why we make it a point to tell you about the behaviors that drive our actions. Everything that we do is dictated by our market position of being Reliable and Responsive. to the needs of our customers.

Reliable means that we keep our promises. Responsive means that we fulfill your needs.