The Origins of Serpentine Tubes: The Aluminum Profile Manufacturing Process
The Origins of Serpentine Tubes: The Aluminum Profile Manufacturing Process In recent years, the demand for serpentine cooling tubes has grown significantly, especially in the electric vehicle (EV) industry. These tubes play a critical role in thermal management for battery packs, ensuring that lithium-ion batteries are kept at optimal temperatures to prevent overheating and improve performance. But how exactly are these essential components made? The journey of a serpentine tube begins with the aluminum extrusion process, an advanced technique that has been refined over centuries. I will concisely explain the aluminum extrusion process, emphasizing the role of serpentine tubes in thermal management for batteries. The explanation will include details on the extrusion process and its significance in battery cooling solutions Table of Contents What is the process of making aluminum profiles? The manufacturing of aluminum profiles, including those used for serpentine cooling tubes, consists of several key stages. The process begins with the adjustment of the shrinkage rate. Each extrusion machine has unique characteristics that influence how much the aluminum shrinks during the process. This step requires precise calibration and testing, depending on the tonnage of the machine and the brand of equipment used. The next step involves heating and slicing the aluminum. A round bar of aluminum, typically from the 3-series or 6-series materials, is heated to a high temperature using a furnace. The heating softens the metal, making it more malleable and ready for extrusion. Once heated, the aluminum bar is sliced into smaller sections that are suitable for the extrusion machine. Following this, the sliced aluminum bars are transferred to the extruder using a transfer machine. This ensures that the material moves smoothly to the next stage without any delays or inefficiencies What is the history of extrusion? The extrusion process has a long history, dating back…