Richardson Metals supplies precision aluminum extrusions for sports equipment, outdoor gear, and recreational products. As one of few U.S. extruders specializing in small-part, tight-tolerance profiles, we help OEM design engineers and procurement teams move concepts into production without the high minimums or slow lead times that can impact development cycles.

Keep reading to explore profile types, alloy selection, and what sets us apart as a custom aluminum extrusion manufacturer.

Lightweight, Durable Profiles for Active Applications

Weight and durability are important considerations in active applications, impacting energy efficiency, acceleration, and payload capacity in moving systems. A custom aluminum profile can deliver structural performance at a fraction of the weight of steel.

For extruded aluminum intended for outdoor equipment and sports applications, initial alloy selection ties to final performance:

  • 6061. This alloy is a go-to choice for components that face repeated use and loads. It offers high strength, good weldability, and excellent fatigue resistance.
  • 6063. This alloy is preferred for applications where surface finish and function are both important. It can provide a smooth finish in cosmetic frames, grip profiles, and components intended for vibrant color anodizing.

Both of these standard alloys hold tight tolerances, are machinable, and respond well to downstream finishing processes.

Common Profiles for Sports & Rec Equipment

Aluminum profiles for cycling equipment, marine hardware, fitness frames, and a wide range of outdoor components all rely on precision machining. Aluminum profile types we can extrude at Richardson Metals include:

  • Channels and angles. Structural frames for heavy fitness equipment, gym rigs, and commercial rack systems.
  • Hollow structural tubes. Bicycle frames, tent poles, trekking poles, and pole shafts for archery and shooting sports.
  • Custom hollows. Complex ski and snowboard binding components, precision scope mounts, and protective housing profiles.
  • Grip and handle profiles. Contoured cross-sections for ergonomic handholds and heavy-duty tool grips.
  • Track and rail systems. Linear guide rails, accessory mounting tracks, and durable marine railing extrusions.
  • Archery and shooting sports profiles. Stabilizer components and tactical rail or Picatinny-compatible extrusions.

We focus on custom profiles that fit within a 4-inch circle. When parts fall in that range and must meet tight tolerances, this is where we focus our operations.

Value-Added Services for Complete Parts

At Richardson Metals, we handle secondary operations for parts, and our sister company, Accudyne Corp, handles complex CNC machining when extrusion-to-machined-component workflows are required. We also offer extensive in-house secondary services tailored to your application:

  • Cut-to-length
  • Deburring
  • Drilling and tapping
  • Punching
  • Grinding
  • CNC milling (3-axis and 4-axis)
  • Welding

We are able to coordinate comprehensive surface finishing through our trusted outside partners, including:

  • Clear anodizing and vibrant color anodizing
  • Powder coating and industrial painting
  • Silk screening
  • High-luster polishing

Why Work With Richardson Metals?

Engineers and procurement managers sourcing custom aluminum extrusions for recreational and sporting goods projects come to our team for several reasons:

  • Precision and ultra-precision tolerances. While standard-tolerance work is available, our capabilities lie in achieving ultra-tight measurements.
  • No high minimums. Small production runs and prototype quantities are welcome, as well as higher volume orders.
  • Direct engineering support. Our dedicated sales and engineering team reviews drawings at intake, flags potential issues early, and actively assists with value engineering to optimize your profile for mass production.
  • Proven track record. Operating for over 40 years, we serve active customers including Hewlett-Packard, Texas Instruments, Kaman, and Kurt Manufacturing, among others.
  • Industry compliance. We maintain full RoHS and REACH compliance, with detailed quality documentation available immediately upon request.

Richardson Metals is also a proud member of the Aluminum Extruders Council (AEC), the Aluminum Association, and the Precision Machined Products Association (PMPA).

If you are developing complex components and need a precise extrusions partner with short lead times and no minimum quantity requirements, request a quote today.