The Effect of Al-Mg-Si Wire Rod Heat Treatment on Its Electrical Conductivity and Strength

Abstract

The raw material for the production of Al-Mg-Si wires is wire rods, created in the Continuus Properzi line in temper T1 (cooled after forming at an elevated temperature and after natural aging). The general technologies for shaping the mechanical and electrical properties of Al-Mg-Si wire rods include two kinds: high- and low-temperature heat treatments. High-temperature heat treatment includes a homogenization process and a supersaturation process. Low-temperature heat treatment takes place after supersaturation and includes natural or artificial aging. This study shows how the amount of Mg and Si influences the mechanical and electrical properties of EN-AW 6101 wire rods after different kinds of heat treatments. As the general aim of this study was to determine the effect of the material’s temper on its mechanical and electrical properties, the research considered the initial parameters of the starting materials being examined. These parameters can be modified by selecting the chemical composition of the Al-Mg-Si alloy and the value of precipitation hardening obtained with artificial.