HCO: Aluminium extrusion simulation software for profile cooling optimization
Developed by M-TD, the Heating and Cooling Optimizer (HCO) lets extrusion teams simulate the quenching of aluminium profiles before running a single trial at the press. Starting from a DXF or DWG drawing of the profile, HCO calculates how its temperature changes as it travels through the cooling system.
HCO handles both air cooling and water-spray cooling. Each installation is configured to replicate the customer’s own quench tunnel, so the effect of every individual nozzle on the profile can be assessed.
Predict temperature evolution and profile deformation
With HCO, users can:
- visualize temperature curves and cooling rates at any point on the profile;
- check how the profile cross-section deforms during cooling;
- test different cooling settings and compare the results.
A simulation runs typically in a few minutes, allowing technical teams to perform multiple tests in a single session. For this reason, HCO lets users compare several cooling strategies digitally and find the optimal quench setting for every profile. This reduces costly trial runs and makes more efficient use of press time, material and resources.
KF: AI-Powered software for extrusion process stability
This software is the result of the collaboration between Atieuno and M-TD and focuses on the analysis of the flow-stress (Kf), a key parameter in aluminium extrusion that gives essential insight into billet quality and production stability.
- monitor production stability in real time;
- detect anomalies and respond immediately, with the support of AI-based analysis;
- perform billet quality analysis to compare different suppliers and cast batches.
The software also includes a neural-network model that predicts the Kf value before a billet is extruded. Teams can use this feature to prevent anomalies or to evaluate new alloys.
The objective of the software is to provide process engineers with a powerful, AI-powered tool to keep the stability of the extrusion process under control and to analyse the billets quality and extrudability.
How digital tools reduces trial-and-error in aluminium extrusion?
HCO and KF address two of the main sources of trial and error in aluminium extrusion. HCO simulates the cooling process, so the right quench settings can be found before any press trial. KF uses AI to monitor production billet by billet, assess billet quality and even anticipate problems before they occur.
Together, they reflect a broader evolution in aluminium extrusion: moving from repeated physical testing and retrospective analysis towards a more simulation-driven and data-supported approach to process optimization.
Discover HCO and KF at ALUMINIUM 2026
Atieuno and M-TD will present both projects at ALUMINIUM 2026 in Düsseldorf, 6–8 October 2026. Visit Hall 1 | Stand 1E57 to discover HCO and KF, see the solutions in action and discuss their potential applications with the Atieuno and M-TD teams.
