Richardson Metals' Extrusion Capabilities
At Richardson Metals, we manufacture custom aluminum extrusions in our Colorado Springs facility. This process allows us to provide close-tolerance aluminum extrusions in various shapes and sizes for industries like aerospace, medical, construction, and automotive.
We execute production based on strict manufacturing parameters:
- Precision aluminum extrusions are held to ultra-tight tolerances, reaching ±0.001 in. on critical dimensions.
- Profiles are extruded up to 4 inches in diameter with wall thicknesses down to 0.020 in., depending on alloy and profile geometry.
- Prototype batches, small runs, and medium production orders are accepted without high minimum requirements.
- Standard lead times run 2 to 4 weeks once a die is available.
- New dies can be designed and cut in just 3 to 4 weeks for specific project needs.
- Just-In-Time (JIT) stocking programs are available for recurring customers.
Our engineering team evaluates DWG, DXF, IGES, STEP, SolidWorks 2019, Inventor, or PDF files at intake. We assess your profile geometry for manufacturability, cost, and other factors before fabrication begins to avoid the need for tooling revisions after the first production run.
Alloy Selection
Custom extrusions allow for precise cross-sectional profiles, with 6000-series alloys often being used due to their versatility in strength, corrosion resistance, and finish quality. At Richardson Metals, we run two primary alloys to produce small aluminum extrusions, with the proper choice depending on the mechanical or cosmetic requirements of the specific application.
Alloy 6063 is an ideal material option for custom aluminum profiles. It allows for thinner walls and produces a superior surface quality after anodizing. Engineers specify 6063 when a flawless cosmetic finish or uniform color is needed for the component. Meanwhile, alloy 6061 is a versatile alloy frequently seen in structural applications, providing high tensile strength, excellent machinability, and strong weld performance. This alloy can be used for load-bearing components, rigid structural frames, and parts slated for heavy downstream CNC machining.
We can produce custom extrusions in both alloys. While we are also able to process standard-tolerance orders, our ability to consistently deliver close-tolerance aluminum extrusions sets us apart as a leading custom aluminum extrusions provider.
Value-Added Services - From Extrusion to Finished Part
At Richardson Metals, we execute comprehensive value-added services in-house to eliminate the risk of coordinating multiple vendors. Our shop floor technicians handle cutting-to-length, deburring, drilling, tapping, punching, and grinding. We also perform advanced 3-axis and 4-axis CNC milling, precise welding, and minor surface preparation tasks like hand buffing and Timesaver finishing.
When a project demands complex precision CNC machining beyond what we do on our immediate extrusion line, our sister company, Accudyne Corp in Denver, provides additional services to maintain precision in extrusion-to-machined-component workflows.
For aluminum extrusions that require finishing before final assembly, we coordinate all final surface treatments through trusted outside partners. We manage clear anodizing, color anodizing, Type II and Type III hard anodizing, painting, silk screening, powder coating, and final polishing.
Industries We Serve
We extrude structural aerospace components, brackets, and precision housings where dimensional accuracy dictates flight safety.
We can supply heat sink profiles and connector enclosures requiring consistent, repeatable tolerances.
We are able to manufacture lightweight structural profiles for diagnostic and therapeutic equipment.
At Richardson Metals, we can produce tactical Picatinny rail profiles, handguard extrusions, suppressor housings, and structural defense equipment frames.
We are able to engineer antenna mounting systems and rigid enclosure profiles.
Our extrusion capabilities allow us to provide precision marine railing systems, fitness equipment profiles, and components that benefit from lightweight strength.
We can supply architectural profiles, T-slot framing, and lighting channel housings.
Why Work With Richardson Metals?
Sourcing a reliable aluminum extrusion manufacturer for small-part precision can seem difficult when many massive extrusion houses reject low-volume prototype orders outright.
At Richardson Metals, we built our custom aluminum extrusion company to serve this niche. We limit our focus to profiles with up to a 4.5-inch diameter, where extreme precision is paramount, and can deliver precision aluminum extrusions down to ±0.001″ on critical dimensions. Since 1980, we have built a proven track record supplying small aluminum extrusions to industry leaders such as Hewlett-Packard, Texas Instruments, Kaman, and Kurt Manufacturing. We eliminate volume thresholds, welcoming prototype quantities, pre-production samples, and small runs.
Our team is comprised of experienced engineers who understand the extrusion process and how to address a range of project needs. We operate a fully RoHS and REACH-compliant facility, maintaining a strict Conflict Minerals Statement and offering our comprehensive quality manual upon request. We hold active memberships with the Aluminum Extruders Council, the Aluminum Association, and the PMPA.
Contact Richardson Metals to Get Started
When your program requires close-tolerance aluminum extrusions, skip the massive minimums. As a trusted manufacturer for a range of industries, we are ready to produce the custom aluminum extrusions your project demands.
Request a quote today to connect with our prototyping and engineering team.
