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Aluminium Extrusion
Remelt Casthouse
This is where it all starts - casting aluminium logs for the extrusion process.
McKechnie operate New Zealand's only remelt casthouse which offers us two significant advantages.
Firstly, we have total control of the casting process which is important for ensuring consistency in the quality of aluminium logs we produce for extrusion.
Secondly, by using recycled aluminium scrap from our own manufacturing process and scrap sourced from other New Zealand extruders, we are doing our bit to save the environment.
The energy consumed to make extrusion from recycled aluminium is 10 times less than the energy required to make an equivalent amount of extrusion from virgin aluminium sourced from the aluminium smelters.
Aluminium Extrusion
Alloy
Our extensive knowledge of the remelt process has enabled us to have total control of the process from the start allowing McKechnie Aluminium to cast not only a range of standard alloys, but also specialty alloys by request.
Aluminium Extrusion
Design & Development
McKechnie® has its own design team to help our customers navigate potential pitfalls when it comes to extrusion design.
Our team guides customers through design tolerances, moments of inertia, and other intricate characteristics of aluminium. We can highlight potential areas of concern and recommend possible improvements to ensure the customer gets the right product.
Aluminium Extrusion
Extrusion Dies
McKechnie® outsource extrusion dies from specialist die makers allowing us to extrude complex profiles.
Our on-site die correction team maintain our production dies after each run ensuring that the extrusions are within tolerance and to the customer's specifications at all times.
Aluminium Extrusion
Presses
Being New Zealand’s first extruder, McKechnie® prides itself in providing quality extrusion to the market.
Our two presses are well maintained and provide the most comprehensive options for extrusion in New Zealand.
Two direct type extrusion presses:
McKechnie® operates two extrusion presses.
A 7 inch and a 9 inch with 10-inch capability for certain shapes.
Our 9-inch press is state-of-the-art and provides local options for supply of larger and heavier extrusion designs.
Aluminium Extrusion FAQs
What is aluminium extrusion?
Aluminium extrusion is a manufacturing process where heated aluminium is pushed through a shaped die to create a continuous profile. This allows aluminium to be formed into precise sections for windows, doors, architectural systems, industrial products and custom aluminium components.
What are aluminium extrusions used for?
Aluminium extrusions are used across many industries, including architecture, construction, transport, manufacturing, furniture, marine, electrical and general engineering. They are commonly used where strength, durability, light weight and design flexibility are important.
Can McKechnie produce custom aluminium extrusions?
Yes. McKechnie® can support custom aluminium extrusion requirements, including profile design, alloy selection, extrusion die development and production. Our team works with customers to refine designs and ensure the finished extrusion is suitable for its intended use.
Why choose aluminium extrusion?
Aluminium extrusion offers design flexibility, durability, corrosion resistance and a high-quality finish. Aluminium is also recyclable, making it a practical material choice for customers seeking long-lasting and more sustainable product solutions.
Supporting better aluminium solutions
McKechnie® aluminium extrusion — also known as aluminum extrusion — supplies custom aluminium profiles NZ-wide for architectural, industrial and specialist applications.
For project-specific requirements, our team can assist with custom aluminium extrusion, including profile design, alloy selection and extrusion planning.
Aluminium manufacturing, done responsibly
As a New Zealand aluminium manufacturing specialist, we're committed to aluminium sustainability, recyclable aluminium, recycled content and lower-carbon production processes.
Every stage of our aluminium manufacturing — from our remelt casthouse through to pressing and finishing — operates under our AS/NZS ISO 9001 (Quality) and ISO 14001 (Environmental) certified systems, so the alloys and profiles we produce meet consistent, traceable quality standards on every run.
Learn more about our Toitū Envirocare certification, or view how aluminium components are used in architecture and building design.