Fabrication of bimetallic rods by explosive cladding and warm extrusion

Abstract

Abstract The fabrication of bimetallic aluminium sheathed/copper axisymmetric rods by explosive cladding and subsequent warm extrusion is reported. The effect of the cladding and the extrusion parameters on the macro- and the microscopic features and the soundness of the product at the various stages of the fabrication are indicated using microhardness testing and optical metallography. By employing warm extrusion as a post-welding forming technique, instead of the cold extrusion, the soundness of the components is improved due to advantageous plastic flow of the extruded composite rod at elevated temperatures and the minimization of the characteristic extrusion defects. A theoretical analysis pertaining to the extrusion of axisymmetric bimetallic rods is proposed.