Almost every conversation we have with our customers includes seeking ways to remove cost from the manufacturing equation. Cost reduction is a never-ending goal at Alexandria Industries. It is not something we only focus on when a customer requests it. To work successfully together and help you save money, cost reduction initiatives need to be a two-way street between you and us. What you can do to reduce your costs: Action: Share details about your design’s intent and product end-usage as early in the development process as possible. How this can affect costs: This simple step can improve project start-up times and

At this time of year, your suppliers will usually ask for your business forecast for the upcoming year. Are you prepared to provide this information, or do you wonder why they need anything besides your purchase order? While the supplier will understand your needs at that time, it is important not to underestimate the value in helping them prepare to fill your orders before your purchase orders arrive. Getting forecasts from customers is much more than a nice-to-have mindset. It is crucial. It allows us time to prepare for your manufacturing needs for the coming year, and prepare in advance to efficiently, and

Designers and engineers want the freedom to design innovative features that allow for manufacturability. They want to be worry-free when it comes to standard tolerances, industry standards, high tooling costs and long lead times. Some of our customers felt hindered by their other suppliers’ unwillingness, or inability, to offer them the freedom to design. When they discovered that Alexandria Industries takes responsibility in sharing the challenges of creative design, they soon realized that we could move them from design to market quickly and cost-effectively. Manufacturers benefit from our team of dedicated engineers

Strength vs. weight vs. cost is an important comparison, as all play a key role in aluminum extrusion. As you look at an aluminum extruded part from a cost standpoint, the alloy 6063 extruded in a solid shape is going to be the most cost-effective way to approach an aluminum extruded part. On the other hand, a variation of aluminum alloys 6063 or 6060 (with somewhat lower mechanical properties) allows for more intricate extrusion profiles with slightly better heat transfer, making these alloys a viable alternative for heat sink profiles. However, they do not always give you the best performance regarding

Engineering for Success with Aluminum Extrusions: Five Tips to Use Dimensioning and Tolerance in the Design Stage as a Competitive Advantage In today’s fast-paced manufacturing industry, it can be difficult to set aside time to define tolerances for a new aluminum extruded component design. Pressed for time, OEM design engineers often default to title block tolerances. This might save a little time, but it risks adding unnecessary cost to the part due to poor fit and function. On the other hand, a print filled with too many tight tolerances may cause extruders to not quote the part or excessively price a

Design options for extrusions are something many don’t consider. Looking for new ideas? Looking for more freedom in your designs? Looking to reduce costs? Our Alex-Cube die drawing illustrates ideas that provide solutions for many of these questions. Consider the versatility of the aluminum extrusion process for your next new design or redesign project. Our other white papers delve deeper into: Extruded features to improve aesthetics Reducing fastener and assembly cost with extruded features The benefits and costs of various mechanical and chemical finishes In the aluminum extrusion process: How thin is thin wall? How tight is tight tolerance? If you have a current need or

Aluminum extrusion offers product design key advantages inherent in the flexibility of the process to reduce fastener and assembly costs as illustrated in the Alex-Cube business card holder. Snap Fit Assemblies A “snap-fit” joint (O) is one that is self-locking and requires no additional fasteners to hold the joint together. Several rolled shapes, riveted together, can be replaced by a single half moon snap fit (F), resulting in high strength while eliminating joining costs. Hinged Assemblies The cross-section of the components of a hinge joint (B) have ball and socket shapes that allow them to rotate without separating. Hinge action through 60 to 90 degrees