Microstructure, Texture, Electrical and Mechanical Properties of AA-6063 Processed by Multi Directional Forging

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Metallurgy
• Mechanical Engineering

Background:

• Aluminum alloys, particularly AA-6063, are widely used in various industries.
• Optimizing mechanical and electrical properties is crucial for material performance.
• Multi-directional forging (MDF) is a severe plastic deformation technique with potential for property enhancement.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of multi-directional forging (MDF) on AA-6063.
• To analyze the effects of different heat treatments and MDF temperatures on material properties.
• To evaluate the trade-offs between mechanical enhancement and electrical conductivity.

Main Methods:

• Annealed and solution-treated AA-6063 samples were subjected to up to three passes of MDF.
• MDF was performed at ambient temperature and 177 °C.
• Microstructural analysis, texture analysis, mechanical testing (hardness, shear strength), and electrical conductivity measurements were conducted.

Main Results:

• MDF significantly reduced grain size and increased low angle grain boundaries.
• Annealed samples developed copper texture, while solution-treated samples showed Goss texture.
• Hardness and shear yield strength increased by over 100% and 70%, respectively, in solution-treated samples after three MDF passes.
• Electrical conductivity remained largely unaffected by the MDF process.

Conclusions:

• MDF is an effective method for enhancing the mechanical properties of AA-6063.
• The improvements in mechanical properties are achieved without a significant detrimental effect on electrical conductivity.
• MDF offers a viable route for tailoring AA-6063 properties for demanding applications.