AEC Launches "Designing with Extrusions" Webinar Program

Webinars will provide an overview of how to effectively design for aluminum extrusion

(Wauconda, Illinois; June 13, 2013) -- Aluminum extrusions offer an outstanding level of design flexibility, the ability to tailor component properties, cost-saving functionality and environmental benefits. Yet extrusions' almost limitless design possibilities present unique challenges to the designer and engineer. To address those challenges the Aluminum Extruders Council (AEC) has launched a new series of webinars targeted to designers and engineers providing valuable information on how to create optimal designs with aluminum extrusion. AEC is producing two upcoming educational programs this summer. "It's About the SHAPE: Designing with Aluminum Extrusion" will be presented in conjunction with Design News at 2:00 p.m. EDT on June 27, 2013. To register for this free webinar, visit the AEC website for a link to the Webinar registration page. A similar webinar, but focused on applications in the solar energy market will be presented in conjunction with Solar Power World at 2:00 p.m. EDT on July 25, 2013. Other application markets will receive similar focus in the fall.

The one-hour webinars will address the unique challenges faced by designers and engineers, including:

• How should extrusions be designed for minimal system cost and optimal manufacturing
• What are the do's and dont's in profile design
• How can shapes be optimized to meet structural requirements
• How do the economics of extruded components compare with alternative materials

Participants also will receive an overview of the extrusion process, as well as information about the sustainability aspects of extrusion.

 

"Steel and plastics are widely understood by engineers, and designers know how to design, evaluate and specify components and assemblies with these materials," said webinar presenter Craig Werner, principal at Werner Extrusion Solutions LLC in Libertyville, Illinois. "Unfortunately, designers receive limited, if any, exposure to aluminum and the extrusion process and often view the use of extrusions narrowly, limiting themselves to materials and shapes that may not optimize their design. These webinars hopefully will facilitate the consideration and use of aluminum extrusions by design professionals," said Werner.

 

The "Designing with Extrusions" Webinar Program is just one of many tools available to engineers, designers, manufacturers, students and others. The AEC website at www.aec.org contains resources and information to help visitors better understand aluminum extrusion processes, applications, and technology. The website includes a unique "Find an Extruder" tool, which is updated regularly, that allows visitors to search for an extruder by location, press circle size, forms produced, finishing and fabrication services, and much more. Extrusion application feature articles are highlighted on the website offering designers information and inspiration on the many uses for aluminum extrusions.

 

The recently released AEC Aluminum Extrusion Manual, Fourth Edition is available online, free of charge, at www.AECmanual.org. The Manual is a comprehensive one-stop reference to help product designers and engineers better understand aluminum extrusion applications, design considerations, alloys, finishing and more, offering a wealth of information with over 150 pages of material.

 

The AEC Buyers' Guide - the directory of AEC member companies that features extruders' capabilities and contact details in print and as a free online flipbook at www.AECguide.org - is published yearly with the next edition due out in July.

 

For more information, contact the Aluminum Extruders Council at mail@aec.org or visit the website at www.aec.org.

 

About AEC
The Aluminum Extruders Council (AEC) is an international trade association dedicated to advancing the effective use of aluminum extrusion in North America. AEC is committed to bringing comprehensive information about extrusion's characteristics, applications, environmental benefits, design and technology to users, product designers, engineers and the academic community. Further, AEC is focused on enhancing the ability of its members to meet the emerging demands of the market through sharing knowledge and best practices.

 

 

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For more information please contact:

 

Nancy Molenda, Communications Manager
nmolenda@tso.net

847/526-2010 x227