Manufacturing of Steel-Reinforced Aluminum Products by Combining Hot Extrusion and Closed-Die Forging

Abstract

Aluminum matrix composite extrusions reinforced with wires made of high strength stainless steel represent an innovative material concept for lightweight structures. The use of reinforcing elements should improve the mechanical properties and the performance of lightweight structures. This study deals with the process chain of extrusion and die forging to manufacture steel-reinforced products. The production of discontinuously-reinforced, semi-finished aluminum profiles by co-extrusion is in focus on the extrusion part. The material flow is analysed in order to understand, and further to influence, where the steel-reinforcements are appear in the strand. For the forging part the extruded profiles are continuous-reinforced by means of steel wires as well as partially by means of steels elements. For the process design the geometry of the forging die cavity and the material flow are of vital importance. A Finite Element Analysis is carried out in order to predict the position of the elements in the forging parts depending on the position in the extrusions.