"For many applications and products, aluminum offers better quality, strength and durability and is a more environmentally friendly alternative," said Lynn Brown, Senior VP Sales and Marketing for Hydro Aluminum's North American Extruded Products group. "Further, with the proper extrusion design and by optimizing assembly, products can be manufactured more cost effectively. By increasing knowledge about the properties and applications of extruded aluminum, we can help engineers and others in their quest to develop superior products and designs."

The user-friendly manual includes information about the properties of aluminum, extrusion manufacture, surface treatments and recycling. A technical section presents details and in-depth information on areas such as corrosion resistance, types of extrusions, joining, fabrication techniques and tolerances as well as design suggestions.

"While technical information has long been made available through our industry associations, this unique book highlights, in easy-to-understand and practical terms, specific aluminum extrusion benefits and applications," said Brown.

This is the second edition of the Extrusion Design Manual that is being offered in North America. It draws on years of global experience, having evolved from a similar manual that has been distributed in Europe over the last fifteen years. The current manual has been refined, updated and tailored specifically for the North American market.

"I am particularly pleased with the additional content. Our second edition includes extensive information on contract manufacturing and fleshes out much of the fabrication section," explained Brown.

The manual will be distributed to designers, engineers and universities, as well as to customers and potential customers. Product developers, draftsmen, inventors and architects will also find the guide extremely useful.

"From understanding, to innovation, to growth - Hydro is again leading the way in our industry," said Brown.