Precision and Mitre Cutting for Aluminum Extrusion Products

An important factor in the fabrication and shaping of aluminum extrusion profiles is ensuring that they are cut to the specified length required in the design and specifications for each product. Precision and mitre cutting are among the cutting processes that include the use of different types of saws, including finish cut, circular, radial arm, table, and others. These saws can vary in size, the type of blade, tolerance, cut length, and cut angle values.

Precision Cutting
The difference in the precision saws that are used for cutting vary in the level of accuracy that they provide and the compound angles they can create, as per the precision cutting requirements. The tolerance values can be as low as +/- .005”, with standard precision cutting tolerances varying from +/-.010” to +/-.030”. Aluminum extrusion lengths can vary from 0.200” to 20 ft.

High volume precision manual, automatic and bundle cutting machines are available that are self-feeding with pneumatic clamping, and have the capability to straight cut with double mitering.

The typical uses for precision and mitre cutting for aluminum extrusion include creating custom picture frames, aluminum storefronts, bath & shower enclosures, and patio, porch and deck enclosures.

Mitre Cutting
This method of cutting is not as highly accurate, though it does provide the ability to cut components within a tolerance of 0.0625 inch. The primary advantage of mitre cutting is that it is a quick and versatile method for sizing aluminum extrusions as per the required length and design, including compound angles. Double mitre saw cutting is mainly used when the aluminum extrusions are meant to be fixed into corners and need to have complicated angles. So, precision and mitre cutting are used only for aluminum extrusion profile cutting, as well as corner connector cutting, and are particularly useful in door, window, and picture frame products.

The electronic double mitre saw machines are also available in a semi-automatic form, eliminating the need for cutting fluid or coolant, when working with thin aluminum extrusions. Once the extrusions are properly clamped both vertically and horizontally, the cutting is cleaner.

Generally, the saws have a diameter of 16 to 20 inches, with larger saws available for larger-diameter presses. Advancements in technology have produced lubricated saws, which have a delivery system that can supply lubricant through its teeth, enhancing efficiency. The automatic devices, instead of fixing the saw, clamp the aluminum extrusion profiles.

Precision and mitre cutting have become essential to manifesting complicated and accurate results in aluminum extrusion products.