Lateral Extrusion – Lateral shaping With Precision

Lateral extrusion is a special process of chipless forming, in which the material flows perpendicular to the punch axis – not in the punch direction, but laterally outward from the cavity. This process opens up new possibilities in component design, especially for cross-shaped elements, hollow bodies, or complex geometries with lateral orientation.

What is Lateral Extrusion?

In contrast to forward or backward extrusion, the material flow in lateral extrusion is lateral to the punch axis. The forming opening in the tool remains constant throughout the pressing process – which is crucial for dimensional accuracy and repeatability.

Technical Principle

The punch applies axial pressure on the blank
The material deflects laterally and fills the shaping tool across the axis
Flow is precisely guided—no material displacement along the punch axis

This controlled transverse forming to the main force enables the production of cross bores, transverse webs, hollow bosses or laterally extending structures – often in a single work step.

Variants of Lateral Extrusion

Hollow Lateral Extrusion

Hollow Lateral Extrusion creates transverse cavities or through-holes—suitable for connectors, hollow shafts, or electromechanical components.

Cup Lateral Extrusion

Cup Lateral Extrusion forms lateral cup-shaped features—ideal for caps, lids, or radially oriented functional surfaces.

Typical fields of application

Lateral Extrusion is used wherever classical forward/backward forming reaches its limits – for example, with:

Components with longitudinal bores or lateral openings
Components with peripheral webs, grooves, or depressions
Hollow shafts with radial internal structure
Functional elements for force or fluid transfer perpendicular to the component axis
Function-integrated components with asymmetrical or complex geometry

Which components are suitable for lateral extrusion?

Connection elements with cross features (e.g. plugs, sockets, bolts with lateral features)
Hydraulic or pneumatic components with cavities or cross bores
Housing parts or covers with recessed lateral shapes
Sensor sleeves or connection bodies that need to be formed inside and out
Complex symmetrical components that should be produced chipless in one operation

Your Benefits from Lateral Extrusion

Function and Shape in One Work Step

Lateral elements such as cross bores, cavities, or webs are produced directly in the forming process – without additional milling or drilling steps.

Precision Shapes—Even in Complex Geometries

Even asymmetrical or unusually shaped parts can be produced with tight tolerances – ideal for connectors, guides, or sealing surfaces.

No Post-processing Necessary

Lateral extrusion often replaces downstream processes such as drilling, milling, or welding – saving time, reducing error susceptibility, and lowering production costs.

Compatible With Forward and Backward Extrusion

Cross-shaped elements can be seamlessly combined with forward or backward extrusion – allowing complex components to be completed in one forming sequence.

Cost-Effective Starting at Medium Batch Sizes

Thanks to stable tools and automated processes, the method is worthwhile from around 50,000 pieces – especially for parts with high functionality and limited space.

Planning a component with lateral extrusion features?

Walter Schneider GmbH specializes in combined extrusion processes – including lateral extrusion, forward and backward forming. We offer a non-binding evaluation of whether your component can be extrusion-pressed – including technical assessment and economic evaluation.