Our Process

Why Impact

Impact extrusion is a fast, efficient, and repeatable production process capable of producing up to 5,000 parts per hour, depending on size and complexity. The process produces parts free of flash, material pickup, or parting lines, often requiring little secondary machining.

Impact extrusions offer:

  • Near-net shaping to minimize material waste
  • Superior dimensional precision and tight tolerances
  • Low tooling costs compared to other metal forming methods
  • High strength and structural integrity from dense, uniform grain structure

These advantages make impact extrusion ideal for high or low volume where quality and efficiency are critical.

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WHAT IS IMPACTING

Impact extrusion is a cold forming process in which a lubricated metal slug is placed into a die cavity and struck by a punch. The force of the punch causes the metal to flow through the die opening, forming a near-net shape in a single, high-speed stroke. The process is typically carried out using hydraulic or mechanical presses.

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Reverse impacting

REVERSE EXTRUSION

Metal flows backward around the punch—opposite the direction of force. This method allows for a wider variety of shapes and simplifies tooling by matching the part shape to the punch.

forward impacting

FORWARD EXTRUSION

The punch drives the slug downward through a tight-fitting die opening, forcing metal to flow in the same direction as the punch. Ideal for parts with longer lengths or thinner sections, this process ensures consistent, unidirectional grain flow.

Combination impact

COMBINATION EXTRUSION

A hybrid of reverse and forward methods, this process forms complex geometries with tighter tolerances, utilizing multiple flow directions to meet advanced design requirements.

IN-HOUSE HEAT TREATING

Mueller Impacts offers full-service aluminum heat treating on site, allowing us to tightly control mechanical properties and material performance.

Our capabilities include:

  • T4 – Solution Heat Treating
  • T6 / T7 – Precipitation Age Hardening
  • O – Annealing

Our in-house treatment improves lead times, quality assurance, and material performance—all under one roof.

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