THE EFFECT OF EXTRUSION PARAMETERS ON MECHANICAL PROPERTIES AND MICROSTRUCTURE OF ALUMINUM ALLOYS

Extrusion is a plastic deformation process in which a block of metal (billet) is forced to flow by compression through a profile shape die opening, with a small area then that of the original billet. Indirect extrusion is a versions of extrusion using a hallow die (stem) in which the metal profile exits backwards. In this research we study the influence of main process parameters (Extrusion ratio and temperature) on the extrusion force. The common Aluminum 6063 alloy was used due to its high strength to weight ratio. Although Indirect Extrusion process is well studied, experiments were made with a new state of the art laboratory press machine, which was designed and build by Alubin. All process parameters, including extrusion force are collected by PLC. The study revealed the effect of each process parameter on the hardness and microstructure of the extruded alloys.
Annealing heat treatment was carry out after extrusion in order to see the influence of residual stresses of the extrusion process on the recrystallization process.
it was found that the indirect extrusion ratio is the most effective process parameter regarding extrusion force and mechanical properties. extrusion temperature was found to have a major influence on the microstructure of the annealed extrusion`s due to residual stresses.