Abstract: A method for forming splines on a metallic tube by providing a metallic tube having a known hardness corresponding to T4 temper (10); heating the metallic tube to a temperature sufficient to remove the T4 temper (14); quenching the metallic tube (20); forming splines on the metallic tube (30); and artificially aging the metallic tube, (32) where preferably the metallic tube is a 6000 series aluminum alloy; alternately, (a) forming a metallic tube; (b) solution heat treating said metallic tube (c) controlled time and/or temperature exposure conditions of said metallic tube (d) forming splines on said metallic tube before said metallic tube has aged sufficiently to develop properties corresponding to a T4 temper; where preferably, the splines are created within 16 hours of forming said metallic tubes, and (e) artificially aging said metallic tubes. In a preferred embodiment, the metallic tube is a 6000 series aluminum alloy.

Abstract: Apparatus for cooling a metal extrusion, such as an aluminum extrusion, may include a carriage which houses the cooling liquid delivery system and is relatively movable with respect to the extrusion press in order to provide the desired amount of air cooling prior to quenching. The quenching apparatus may have a plurality of generally parallel cooling liquid delivery tubes, each having a plurality of nozzles which are preferably independently adjustable as to volume and spray pattern. The cooling liquid delivery tubes may be axially rotated and flow of the cooling liquid within each tube may be independently adjusted. The housing of the quenching unit may have an upper portion which is rotatable generally upwardly and is provided with a transparent window to facilitate viewing of the spraying action. A method of quenching an aluminum extrusion employing such apparatus is provided.

Abstract: Apparatus for cooling a metal extrusion, such as an aluminum extrusion, may include a carriage which houses the cooling liquid delivery system and is relatively movable with respect to the extrusion press in order to provide the desired amount of air cooling prior to quenching. The quenching apparatus may have a plurality of generally parallel cooling liquid delivery tubes, each having a plurality of nozzles which are preferably independently adjustable as to volume and spray pattern. The cooling liquid delivery tubes may be axially rotated and flow of the cooling liquid within each tube may be independently adjusted. The housing of the quenching unit may have an upper portion which is rotatable generally upwardly and is provided with a transparent window to facilitate viewing of the spraying action. A method of quenching an aluminum extrusion employing such apparatus is provided.

Abstract: A method for stretch shaping an elongated metallic extrusion is disclosed comprising the steps of applying axial tension to an elongated metallic extrusion in an amount sufficient to equal or exceed the yield strength of the extrusion. An external shaping die is applied against a perimetric portion of the outside surface of the extrusion. The die has working faces conforming substantially to a finished cross-sectional shape for the extrusion. While maintaining such tension the die is advanced along a length of the extrusion. An apparatus for stretch shaping an elongated metallic extrusion is also disclosed.