Applying tensile force to aluminium extrusion - by holding ends of extrusion in grippers whilst it cools

摘要

An extruded metal section, particularly an extruded aluminium section (10), is placed on a row of supports (14) immediately after being extruded. Whilst the extrusion is still hot, its ends are gripped by grippers (24) attached to arm (22) which are mounted on carriages (20) which run on an overhead rail (34). - These grippers apply a defined tensile force to the extrusion and then hold the extrusion until it cools to a specified temperature so that the tensile force and degree of stretch of the extrusion reach a specified value.