Temperature and Die Angular Effect on Tensile Strength, Hardness, Extrusion Load and Flow Stress in Aluminum 6063 Processed by Equal Channel Angular Extrusion Method

Abstract

Developing aluminum with good mechanical properties like hardness, tensile strength, and normal flow stress, Equal Channel Angular Extrusion (ECAE) method has been suggested as a suitable metal forming process. The load applied and extrusion temperature normally influences the flow stress behavior in extruded products and determine their mechanical properties. Consequently, how these factors affect mechanical behavior and flow stress of Al 6063 processed by ECAE was examined in this study. Extrusion temperatures were 350°C, 425°C, and 500°C with die angles of 130°, 140°, and 150°. 5 mm/s of ram speed was applied. Each extrudate's tensile strength and hardness were measured using a Universal Testing Machine and a Rockwell hardness tester. Samples with equal dimensions and properties were also modeled using the Qform software at the extended die angle and temperature for proper analysis of flow stress in the extrudates. According to experimental results, the temperature had a greater effect on the tensile strength and hardness of the billet than the die angle. The extrudates' grains also became finer as the billet temperature rose. Simulation findings showed that higher billet temperature led to a decrease in the extrudates' flow stress. The simulation also demonstrated that billet temperature had a greater impact on extrusion load than die angle, with a maximum extrusion load of 5.5 MN being attained at 350 °C.

Keywords

• aluminum 6063
• temperature
• simulation
• tensile strength
• die angle
• equal channel angular extrusion