Extrusion of AlCuMg Alloys with Simultaneous Solution Heat Treatment

Abstract

Extrusion of AlCuMg Alloys with Simultaneous Solution Heat Treatment In the work, the experiments on extrusion of high-strength aluminium alloys (2014 and 2024) with solution heat treatment on the press were performed. The experimental study describes extrudates microstructure and mechanical properties in dependence on alloy chemical composition, mode of homogenization treatment and temperature-speed extrusion conditions. The optical microscopy and SEM/EDS characterization were supported by DSC analysis, enabling to determine the solidus temperatures of the alloys. The investigations revealed that minimal contents of the main alloy additions (Cu, Mg), high-temperature homogenization and increased extrusion temperatures contributed to achieving high solutioning ratio of the alloys, guarantying improved mechanical properties of the extrudates. The high-temperature homogenization allowed achieving uniform microstructure of ingots with fine particles of intermetallic phases. The significant increase in solidus temperatures of the homogenized alloys enabled more effective solutioning on the run-out table. The maximal permissible metal exit speed was increased and the extrusion force was reduced in comparison to the conventional extrusion technology. The proposed solutions will allow for industrial producing AlCuMg extrudates of improved mechanical properties in the shortened technological cycle with heat treatment on the press.