How much does it cost · aluminium extrusion
Short answer: an extruded profile is paid mostly by the kilo: weight per metre times the price of extruded aluminium, plus the die, paid once. A solid die costs around $1,250, a hollow die $1,950 (source: Profile Precision Extrusions). Metal accounts for 60 to 75% of the cost (source: Hugh Aluminum).
By the RFQdecoder team · updated 27 September 2026
The density of aluminium (2.70 g/cm³) turns the profile cross-section into kilos per metre. That is why a thinner wall or a more compact shape lowers the price directly.
| Die | Published price |
|---|---|
| Solid profile | around $1,250 |
| Hollow profile | $1,950 |
| Complex or multi-hollow profile | up to $5,000 |
Source: Profile Precision Extrusions. Die build: 3 to 5 weeks in most cases, then about 2 weeks for first samples.
| Profile | Published price |
|---|---|
| 6063 alloy, basic profile | $2.50 to $3.50/kg |
| Complex custom shape | $3.50 to $5.00/kg |
| 6061-T6 alloy | $4.00 to $6.00/kg |
Source: Hugh Aluminum. The same guide puts metal at 60 to 75% of the cost, extrusion at 15 to 25% and finishing at 5 to 15%. These prices follow the aluminium market.
Example values: cross-section of 444 mm², i.e. 1.20 kg/m, extruded aluminium at $3.50/kg, hollow die at $1,950.
| Length ordered | Metal per metre | Die per metre | Price per metre, before finish |
|---|---|---|---|
| 500 m | $4.20 | $3.90 | $8.10 |
| 5,000 m | $4.20 | $0.39 | $4.59 |
Calculated with the example values above. Over 500 m the die weighs almost as much as the metal; over 5,000 m it becomes marginal.
Profile Precision Extrusions gives around $1,250 for a solid profile die, $1,950 for a hollow profile and up to $5,000 for a complex or multi-hollow profile.
Hugh Aluminum publishes $2.50 to $3.50 per kilo for a basic 6063 profile, $3.50 to $5 for a complex custom shape and $4 to $6 for 6061-T6 alloy.
Multiply the cross-section in square millimetres by the density of aluminium, 2.70 grams per cubic centimetre, then divide by 1,000 to get kilos per metre.
Profile Precision Extrusions gives 3 to 5 weeks for most dies, then about 2 weeks for first samples.
According to Hugh Aluminum, metal accounts for 60 to 75% of the cost of an extruded profile, extrusion for 15 to 25% and finishing for 5 to 15%.
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