Improved Extrusion and Milling Techniques

The goal of the project is to optimize the manufacturing processes used to fabricate complex aluminum alloy extrusions used in the Flexible Infrastructure (FI) systems. Various configurations of track have been fabricated to fill different functions in the FI system. The track is fabricated from a near net shaped extrusion. Holes are drilled into the slot on the top of the extrusion to provide an interface with equipment and fixtures. Holes are also drilled in the bottom flange for mounting the track to the deck. If the extrusions are fabricated within tolerance (dimensional shape and straightness/twist/flatness) simple conventional high speed machining can be used to machine the track. Surface Treatment Technologies is focusing on improving the production rate and quality of the track system by optimizing the extrusion and machining processes. Increasing the quality of the beams will decrease costs associated with installation of the FI system.