Hot Extrusion Processing of Al–Li Alloy Profiles and Related Issues:A Review

Al-Li alloy is a new structural material with the advantages of lightweight and high strength.The extrusion profiles of Al-Li alloy are widely used in aerospace and other fields,which can significantly reduce the weight of the aerospace equipment and improve their carrying capacity and service performance.Particular service conditions of structural components in aeronautical and space areas put forward strict requirements on microstructure,mechanical properties,and dimensional precision of Al-Li alloy profiles.Therefore,it places higher requirements on the shape forming and microstructure controlling of the Al-Li alloy profiles.The manufacturing process of the profiles involves billet homogenization,hot extrusion,solution and quenching treatments,artificial aging,and others.The parameters of each process as well as the die structure have important effects on the final performance of the profiles.This article summarizes the main applications and key mechanical properties of Al-Li alloy extrusion profiles.The technologies related to the manufacturing process of the extrusion profiles are summarized and analyzed.The related studies about the evolutions of the microstructure and mechanical properties during homogenization and extrusion processes are reviewed.The developments of the solid solution and quenching treatments as well as the aging strengthening technology for extruded Al-Li alloy profiles are also introduced.The scientific problems and key technologies that need to be solved in the manufacturing of Al-Li alloy extrusion profiles are presented,and the prospect for future development trends in these fields is given.

Identification of processing window for extrusion of large thick-walled Inconel 625 alloy pipes using response surface methodology

Identifying suitable processing window is necessary but difficult for achieving favorable microstructure and performance in extrusion of large thick-walled pipe with difficult-to-deform Inconel 625 alloy. In this work, a method was established for identifying the extrusion process window considering temperature control using response surface methodology. Firstly, the response surface models, which correlate temperature rise and peak temperature to key extrusion parameters, have been developed by orthogonal regression based on finite element calculated data. Secondly, the coupled effects of the key extrusion parameters on the temperature rise and peak temperature have been disclosed based on the regression models. Lastly, suitable extrusion processing windows, which are described by contour map of peak temperature in the space of extrusion speed and initial billet temperature, have been established for different extrusion ratios. Using the identified process window, a suitable combination of the key extrusion parameters can be determined conveniently and quickly.

KEY TECHNIQUES IN R&D OF OUT-SIZE EXTRUSION PRESS WITH OIL-DRIVEN DOUBLE ACTION

A modem design method, in which traditional design formulas are conjoined with numerical simulation and optimization, is successfully used to design the out-size extrusion flame precisely so that the press cost can be saved. A new technology used for decompressing by a multi-steps dynamical mode is put forward, which makes it possible to decompress the large flow-volume high-pressure oil in the main cylinders. In addition, a method for realizing the fixed mandrel process by hydraulic support is proposed and its control equation is established. Pre-tightening frame tests are carried out by over-operating pressure on 100 MN aluminium extrusion press with oil-driven double action, which is developed based on the above key techniques and is the largest press so far in the world, and the results show that the frame structure designed is reasonable and reliable, and the modem design method used is an useful tool for designing large and out-size heavy plastic forming machinery. The results of decompressing curve in main cylinder and noise inspection indicate that multi-steps dynamical mode for decompressing the large flow-volume high pressure oil is valid and reliable. Meanwhile, the fixed mandrel process is well realized based on the control equation. These key techniques have been used in the development of 125 MN aluminium extrusion press with oil-driven double action.