FAQs

Do some extruders have services and products that others do not?

Yes. Most extruders specialize in some type of finish, alloy, and/or product segment that allows them to maximize their production efforts. The Aluminum Extruders Council is an excellent source to help in the selection of an extruder to meet your particular needs.

Why would Loxcreen be a good choice?

Our production capabilities, in-house fabrication and warehouse delivery programs offer advantages most of our competitors cannot. Using a single-source supplier for extrusion, finishing, painting and fabrication will reduce your costs and the risk of damage caused by excessive handling. We are committed to provide quality products and excellent customer service.

When an extrusion is anodized will it resist scratching?

The thickness of the anodic coating is determined by the customer. An Architectural Class I coating will have a minimum thickness of .7 mils and a Class II coating is a minimum of .4 mils. The thicker the coating, the less susceptible the extrusion will be to weathering, corrosion and scratching. For more information, we recommend a booklet from The Aluminum Anodizers Council titled, "Anodizing...The Finish of Choice."

What happens when a customer orders a new die?

The customer's design is used to create an AutoCad drawing, which is then transmitted electronically to the die builder. We utilize several national tool and die builders who use the latest technology and have an outstanding reputation in the tooling industry. By using multiple tooling sources, Loxcreen offers its customers quick turnaround time.

What are the common alloys?

The 6000-series of aluminum alloys (four-digit registration numbers beginning with 6) is selected for nearly 75% of extrusion applications. Of those, alloys 6063 and 6061 are used most frequently. Alloy 6063 is used for a broad range of solid and hollow products. It is easily welded, and it has a pleasing natural finish and excellent corrosion resistance. 6063 is used in architecture and in many moderate-stress applications. Alloy 6061 is a good all-purpose extrusion alloy, combining high mechanical properties with good corrosion resistance, weldability and machining characteristics. In its T6 temper, 6061 typically has a yield strength of 35,000 to 40,000 PSI, a strength comparable to structural steel. Alloy 6061 is used in many structural applications.

6063
low-to-medium strength - excellent for anodic coating and resistance to corrosion

6061
medium strength - excellent general purpose - requires more sever quench to reach maximum properties limiting available wall thickness

6005
medium strength - good air quench

6463
low-to-medium strength - excellent bright dip response - used for polished bright dipped and anodized applications