Material physical response in the extrusion process

The mechanical properties and surface quality of the extruded profiles depend on the final microstructure which has been developed during the extrusion process. The final microstructure is a result of a billet microstructure, material deformation history and post-processing treatment. In order to understand the role of the metal flow in the deformation history both physical and numerical process modeling techniques have been applied. Physical modeling of the extrusion process using modeling materials allows quick and inexpensive evaluation of the flow conditions through different die configurations. Additional information can be obtained from the crystallographic characterization of the typical deformation zone regions such as dead metal zone, main deformation zone and recrystallized zone on the billet-container interface. The electron backscattering diffraction (EBSD) technique has been utilized to follow in detail the orientation aspects of the deformed grains in extruded aluminum. This analysis provides information which can be utilized in the die and process design to improve metal flow uniformity and therefore the microstructure of the final product. It also allows prevention of the typical extrusion defects like surface tearing.