A method for forming curved lengths of extruded profiles/sections in metal alloys

Abstract

A method of extruding a material, comprising providing the material into an extrusion chamber of an extrusion apparatus, wherein the extrusion chamber comprises an extrusion orifice and the extrusionapparatus comprises a first compression element and a second compression element in communication with the interior of the extrusion chamber, the first and second compression elements being independently movable relative to the extrusion chamber, moving at least one of the first and second compression elements to compress the material within the extrusion chamber and cause a velocity gradient in the extrusion material across the extrusion orifice and extruding the material through the extrusion orifice such that the velocity gradient forms an extrudate with a curved profile.

Description

technical field [0001] The present application relates to a method and apparatus for forming curved metal alloy profiles, in particular aluminum alloy profiles with pre-designed curvatures, in one extrusion-bending process. Background technique [0002] Reducing the weight of metal components used in land, sea and air transport reduces fuel consumption and thus CO2 emissions. Aluminum alloy profiles are widely used in industrial manufacturing as construction elements for the production of ultra-light component structures with high profile complexity, including: seat rails, stringers and frames in the aircraft industry, and in the automotive industry Window frames and roof rails. This is mainly because they facilitate the construction of lightweight, strong and rigid structures. Considering the need to reduce aerodynamic resistance and improve aesthetics, the manufacture and application of high-precision curved aluminum alloy profiles with good adaptability is very necessar...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

However, these processes have disadvantages because: (i) more than one process is required to obtain a profile with the desired curvature, which substantially reduces manufacturing productivity; (ii) due to the high external bending strains imposed in the secondary bending process, often Springback and cross-sectional deformation occur; (iii) for the hollow part, various fillers and mandrels are used in the secondary bending process to avoid potential cross-sectional deformation and buckling; (iv) due to the large forces, thus requiring heavy machinery; and, (v) many hollow profiles cannot be bent if the shell is too thin or the curvature is too great

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