The Influence of Die Geometry on the Radial Extrusion Processes with AA 6063 Aluminium Alloy

Abstract

The rigid-plastic finite element method has been applied to three variants of radial extrusion processes to investigate the influence of die geometry on the material flow into the flange gap. Case I involves forcing a cylindrical billet against a flat die, which is a single action pressing process. In case II, another single action pressing process, the upper punch forces a billet against a stationary punch recessed in the lower die. Both the upper and lower punches move together in Case III toward the center of billet at the same speed with a double action tool. Major process parameters are identified as the relative gap height and the die corner radius in constant relative deformation. The relative gap height is defined as the ratio of gap height to billet diameter. Extensive simulation work for various combinations of process parameter value has been performed and then the main characteristics of the deformation patterns of each case are observed to define the terms which represent the forming characteristics of the flange in radial extrusion processes in terms of separation height, asymmetric ratio of height, and asymmetric ratio of angle, respectively. The effect of major process parameters on the material flow into the flange gap has been also analyzed in terms of flange radius and flange angle. The effect of frictional condition on the separation height has been also analyzed to investigate the edge separation of flange from the flat die. AA 6063 aluminum alloy is selected as a model material throughout the analysis. Simple comparison between AA 6063 and AISI 1006 steel has been also made to investigate the effect of material selection on the deformation pattern, especially in terms of separation height in Case I and asymmetry in Case II, respectively.