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Custom Extrusion Guides

Start from the cross-section and material. The die, wall distribution and straightness requirements determine whether a profile is economical to extrude.

Updated October 11, 2026 · 14 focused articles

Find the guide for your next decision

Follow the guide that matches the feature, failure mode or project decision you are working on.

Profile Extrusion: What the Die Decides and What the Customer Controls

What the Die Decides and What the Customer Controls

Extruded Plastic Profiles: Reading a Section Drawing Like a Die Designer

Reading a Section Drawing Like a Die Designer

Custom Extrusion Plastic: Turning a Section Idea Into a Die and a Delivery

Turning a Section Idea Into a Die and a Delivery

Co-Extruded Plastic Profiles: Two Materials, One Die, One Continuous Length

Two Materials, One Die, One Continuous Length

Aluminum Extrusion Process: From Billet and Die to Finished Profile

From Billet and Die to Finished Profile

Aluminum Extrusion Design Rules: Wall Thickness, Tolerances, and Profile Complexity

Wall Thickness, Tolerances, and Profile Complexity

Extrusion for Heat Sinks and LED Enclosures: Thermal Profiles That Work

Thermal Profiles That Work

Extrusion Prototypes and Low-Volume Runs: When Extrusion Dies Make Sense

When Extrusion Dies Make Sense

Plastic Extrusion for Custom Profiles: Materials and Applications

Materials and Applications

Secondary Machining for Extruded Profiles: Cutting, Drilling, and Assembly

Cutting, Drilling, and Assembly

Aluminum Extrusion Tolerances: Standards, Classes, and What to Specify

Standards, Classes, and What to Specify

Aluminum Extrusion vs CNC Machining from Bar Stock: How to Choose

How to Choose

Plastic Extrusion Tolerances and Material Behavior for Custom Profiles

Read the focused guide for plastic extrusion tolerances and material behavior for custom profiles.

Aluminum Extrusion Tolerances: What the Die and the Alloy Decide

What the Die and the Alloy Decide

Before you release the project

  1. Define the function, environment and the question this batch must answer.
  2. Specify material grade, geometry, quantity, finish and the dimensions that control fit.
  3. Agree the inspection method and the evidence required to accept the parts.
  4. Record the drawing revision and approval before production begins.

Common planning questions

What drives a custom extrusion decision?

Cross-section geometry, material, expected length and quantity, die complexity, straightness and finishing requirements are the main inputs.

Which dimensions should be controlled first?

Identify the dimensions that govern assembly and function, then agree achievable tolerances for the profile and any subsequent machining.

Move from guidance to a reviewed project

Send the CAD model and drawing with material, quantity, finish and inspection requirements. Use the relevant service page to review the available manufacturing route.

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