Continuous Rotary Extrusion (CRE) Wheels The continuous rotary extrusion (CRE) process is a special method of metal extrusion. This process uses friction to generate heat, which plasticises the feedstock. It is mainly used for small and medium-sized copper, aluminium, and alloy profiles.
The machine’s principal item is the wheel, which is highly stressed due to high operational temperatures. In addition to the wheel’s high dimensional accuracy, the correct selection of the most suitable material and optimum hardness range is essential to achieve a good hot creep strength and maximise life in service.
Design: The CRE roll is a large wheel with a groove around its circumference.
Function: It continuously rotates, guiding the metal into the extrusion process.
Material: Manufactured from high-performance steel grades to withstand high operational temperatures and stresses.
Size: CRE machines can be equipped with wheels of various sizes, such as 300 mm, 420 mm, or 500 mm in diameter
Feedstock Introduction: Metal feedstock (rod, cast bar, or particles) is fed into the groove on the wheel’s circumference.
Friction Generation: As the wheel rotates, it creates friction with the feedstock, generating heat.
Pressure Build-up: The rotating wheel guides the feedstock to an abutment, where pressure builds up.
Metal Plasticisation: The combination of heat from friction and pressure softens the metal.
Extrusion: The plasticised metal is forced through a die to create the desired profile.
The Continuous Rotary Extrusion (CRE) rolls introduce various important benefits which boost the operational efficiency of metal extrusion procedures. These devices facilitate nonstop manufacturing operations because they produce metal products longer than 10,000 meters thus serving industries that need extensive metal profiles.
The processing capability of these rolls extends to numerous non-ferrous metals and alloys which makes them applicable to various manufacturing needs. The CRE rolls operate efficiently to deliver higher production speeds and lower production costs per tonne than regular extrusion techniques which leads to general operational cost reductions.
The flexibility of CRE rolls allows for the production of a diverse array of profiles, tubes, and shapes, catering to specific customer requirements and market demands.
Our team of experienced technical staff is always on hand to provide expert assistance, consultation, and advice to our valued customers.
Whether you have questions about our roll tooling products, need help troubleshooting an issue with your mill equipment, or require guidance on the best practices for maintenance and operation, our knowledgeable and ISO 9001 certified team is here to help.
