A method for improving the mechanical properties of 4032 aluminum alloy forgings

Abstract

This invention provides a method for improving the mechanical properties of 4032 aluminum alloy forgings, comprising the following steps: A) subjecting 4032 aluminum alloy melt to modification treatment and online refinement; B) casting the aluminum alloy melt obtained in step A) to obtain aluminum alloy ingots with a diameter of φ360mm to φ500mm; C) subjecting the aluminum alloy ingots to two upsetting and two drawing processes to obtain free forgings; D) subjecting the free forgings to extrusion, followed by die forging, and finally heat treatment. In the method for improving the mechanical properties of 4032 aluminum alloy forgings provided in this application, by preparing small-sized ingots and combining them with subsequent forging and extrusion, the uniformity of the 4032 aluminum alloy microstructure is improved, thereby enhancing the mechanical properties of the aluminum alloy forgings.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of aluminum alloy production technology, and in particular to a method for improving the mechanical properties of 4032 aluminum alloy forgings. Background Technology

[0002] 4032 aluminum alloy is a wrought aluminum alloy with the following chemical composition: Si 11.0–13.5 wt%, Cu 0.05–1.3 wt%, Mg 0.8–1.3 wt%, Ni 0.50–1.3 wt%, Fe ≤1.0 wt%, Cr ≤0.10 wt%, Zn ≤0.25 wt%, and Al as the balance. 4032 aluminum alloy has the advantages of a large coefficient of linear expansion, high-temperature strength, and good high-temperature corrosion resistance.

[0003] Based on the chemical composition of the 4032 aluminum alloy, it can be seen that the Si content in the 4032 aluminum alloy is relatively high. Therefore, it is difficult to carry out eutectic silicon modification treatment and grain refinement. This will affect the uniformity of the aluminum alloy structure and thus affect the improvement of the mechanical properties of aluminum alloy forgings.

[0004] Even though many methods for preparing aluminum alloys have been disclosed in the prior art, it is still difficult for those skilled in the art to solve the problems of eutectic silicon modification treatment and grain refinement in aluminum alloys, and ultimately achieve uniformity in the microstructure of aluminum alloys. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The technical problem solved by this invention is to provide a method for improving the mechanical properties of 4032 aluminum alloy forgings. The method provided in this application can significantly improve the mechanical properties of 4032 aluminum alloy forgings.

[0006] In view of this, this application provides a method for improving the mechanical properties of 4032 aluminum alloy forgings, comprising the following steps:

[0007] A) Modify and refine the 4032 aluminum alloy melt in an online manner;

[0008] B) Cast the aluminum alloy melt obtained in step A) to obtain Aluminum alloy ingots;

[0009] C) The aluminum alloy ingot is forged by two upsetting and two drawing processes to obtain a free forging;

[0010] D) The free forging is extruded, then die-forged, and finally heat-treated.

[0011] Preferably, the modifier used in the modification treatment is Al-10Sr, and its dosage, based on the Sr element content, is 0.01 to 0.05 wt% of the aluminum alloy melt; the online refining is Al-5Ti-B wire, and its dosage, based on the Ti element content, is 0.01 to 0.05 wt% of the aluminum alloy melt.

[0012] Preferably, the casting speed is 40–100 mm / min, and the cooling water flow rate is 10–20 m³ / min. 3 / h / root count.

[0013] Preferably, the forging temperature is ≥400℃ and the forging deformation is ≥80%.

[0014] Preferably, the forging temperature is 450–600°C, and the forging deformation is 82–92%.

[0015] Preferably, the extrusion ratio is ≥10.

[0016] Preferably, the extrusion ratio is 10.5 to 11.5.

[0017] Preferably, the forging temperature is ≥400℃.

[0018] Preferably, the forging temperature is 450–600°C.

[0019] Preferably, the heat treatment includes a solution treatment and an aging treatment performed sequentially, wherein the solution treatment is performed at a temperature of 500–550°C and the aging treatment is performed at a temperature of 150–200°C.

[0020] This application provides a method for improving the mechanical properties of 4032 aluminum alloy forgings. The method involves first subjecting the molten aluminum alloy to modification treatment and online refinement to achieve preliminary purification and refinement, and then casting the molten aluminum alloy to obtain… The process involves preparing aluminum alloy ingots, then performing two upsetting and two drawing operations on the ingots to obtain free forgings. Finally, extrusion, die forging, and heat treatment are performed to obtain 4032 aluminum alloy forgings. In the above method, smaller-sized ingots are prepared, and combined with subsequent two upsetting, two drawing, and extrusion, the microstructure uniformity of 4032 aluminum alloy is effectively improved, and the mechanical properties of the forgings are enhanced. Detailed Implementation

[0021] To further understand the present invention, preferred embodiments of the present invention are described below in conjunction with examples. However, it should be understood that these descriptions are only for further illustrating the features and advantages of the present invention, and not for limiting the scope of the claims of the present invention.

[0022] Given the difficulty in performing eutectic silicon modification and grain refinement on 4032 aluminum alloy in existing technologies, which affects the mechanical properties of forgings, this application provides a method for improving the mechanical properties of 4032 aluminum alloy forgings. This method improves the microstructure uniformity and increases the density of the alloy by controlling the ingot specifications and increasing the degree of extrusion deformation. Specifically, this invention discloses a method for improving the mechanical properties of 4032 aluminum alloy forgings, comprising the following steps:

[0023] A) Modify and refine the 4032 aluminum alloy melt in an online manner;

[0024] B) Cast the aluminum alloy melt obtained in step A) to obtain Aluminum alloy ingots;

[0025] C) The aluminum alloy ingot is subjected to two upsetting and two drawing processes to obtain a free forging;

[0026] D) The free forging is extruded, then die-forged, and finally heat-treated.

[0027] In this application, the 4032 aluminum alloy melt is first subjected to modification treatment and online processing. During this process, the 4032 aluminum alloy melt is prepared according to methods well known to those skilled in the art, namely, by mixing pure metals and / or intermediate alloys according to the chemical composition ratio of the 4032 aluminum alloy and then smelting them to obtain the melt; then the melt is subjected to modification treatment and online processing. The modification agent used in the modification treatment is Al-10Sr, and its amount, based on the Sr element content, is 0.01–0.05 wt% of the aluminum alloy melt; the online refining... The wire used is Al-5Ti-B, and its dosage, based on the Ti element content, is 0.01 to 0.05 wt% of the aluminum alloy melt. Specifically, the dosage of the modifier used in the modification treatment, based on the Sr element content, is 0.01 wt%, 0.02 wt%, 0.03 wt%, 0.04 wt%, or 0.05 wt% of the aluminum alloy melt. The online refining, based on the Ti element content, is 0.01 wt%, 0.02 wt%, 0.03 wt%, 0.04 wt%, or 0.05 wt% of the aluminum alloy melt.

[0028] This application then processes the obtained aluminum alloy melt in a semi-continuous casting machine and a horizontal hot-top casting tool to obtain an ingot with the following specifications: The casting speed is 40–100 mm / min, and the cooling water flow rate is 10–20 m³ / min. 3 / h / root. During the above casting process, the casting speed is 50–80 mm / min, and the cooling water flow rate is 12–18 m³ / min. 3 / h root count; if the ingot size is small, the casting process adopts a higher casting speed and cooling intensity to accelerate the crystallization rate and refine the eutectic structure and grain structure.

[0029] According to the present invention, the aluminum alloy ingot is then forged to obtain a free forging. In this application, the forging is carried out using a two-upsetting and two-drawing method, so that the small-sized ingot is forged to obtain a billet with a larger cross-section, which provides a greater degree of triaxial deformation for subsequent extrusion, further refining the eutectic structure and grain structure of the 4032 aluminum alloy forging. The forging temperature is ≥400℃, and the deformation is ≥80%; specifically, the forging temperature is 450~600℃, and the forging deformation is 82~92%.

[0030] The application then extrudes the obtained free forging in an extrusion press with an extrusion ratio ≥10. After the above casting and forging, it is beneficial to use a larger extrusion ratio for the aluminum alloy free forging. In a specific embodiment, the extrusion ratio is 10.5 to 11.5.

[0031] Finally, the extruded aluminum alloy ingot is subjected to die forging and heat treatment. The die forging temperature is ≥400℃, specifically, the die forging temperature is 450~600℃. The heat treatment includes sequential solution treatment and aging treatment. The solution treatment temperature is 500~550℃, and the aging treatment temperature is 150~200℃; more specifically, the solution treatment temperature is 520~530℃, and the aging temperature is 160~180℃.

[0032] This invention provides a method for improving the mechanical properties of 4032 aluminum alloy forgings, comprising the following steps: A) subjecting the 4032 aluminum alloy melt to modification treatment and online refinement; B) casting the aluminum alloy melt obtained in step A) to obtain... The method involves: C) preparing a small-sized aluminum alloy ingot; D) subjecting the aluminum alloy ingot to two upsetting and two drawing processes to obtain a free forging; E) extruding the free forging, followed by die forging, and finally heat treatment. In the method for improving the mechanical properties of 4032 aluminum alloy forgings provided in this application, the uniformity of the 4032 aluminum alloy microstructure is improved by preparing a small-sized ingot, combined with subsequent forging and extrusion, thereby enhancing the mechanical properties of the aluminum alloy forgings.

[0033] To further understand the present invention, the method for improving the mechanical properties of 4032 aluminum alloy forgings provided by the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to embodiments. The scope of protection of the present invention is not limited by the following embodiments.

[0034] Example 1

[0035] 1) The 4032 aluminum alloy melt was subjected to modification treatment in a smelting furnace and refined using an online refining device; the modifier used in the modification treatment was Al-10Sr, and the amount was calculated based on the Sr element, which was 0.04% of the aluminum alloy melt; the online refining used Al-5Ti-B wire, and the amount was calculated based on the Ti element, which was 0.03% of the aluminum alloy melt.

[0036] 2) Casting is performed using a semi-continuous casting machine and a horizontal hot-top casting tool to obtain the specified specifications. The ingot is cast; during this process, the casting speed is 80 mm / min, and the cooling water flow rate is 15 m³ / min. 3 / h / Root calculation;

[0037] 3) The ingot obtained above is forged in a forging machine using a 2-upsetting and 2-drawing method. The forging temperature is 460℃ and the deformation is 90%, to obtain an aluminum alloy free forging.

[0038] 4) The above free forgings are extruded using an extrusion press, with an extrusion ratio of 10.5;

[0039] 5) The obtained extruded part is then die-forged at a temperature of 460℃.

[0040] 6) The obtained die forgings are subjected to solution treatment and aging treatment in a quenching furnace and an aging furnace in sequence. The solution treatment temperature is 525℃ and the aging treatment temperature is 170℃.

[0041] Comparative Example 1

[0042] 1) The 4032 aluminum alloy melt was subjected to modification treatment in a smelting furnace and refined using an online refining device; the modifier used in the modification treatment was Al-10Sr, and the amount was calculated based on the Sr element, which was 0.04% of the aluminum alloy melt; the online refining used Al-5Ti-B wire, and the amount was calculated based on the Ti element, which was 0.03% of the aluminum alloy melt.

[0043] 2) Casting was carried out using a semi-continuous casting machine and a horizontal hot-top casting tool to obtain an ingot with a diameter of φ500mm; during this process, the casting speed was 50mm / min, and the cooling water flow rate was 15m³ / min. 3 / h / Root calculation;

[0044] 3) The ingot obtained above is forged in a forging machine using a 2-upsetting and 2-drawing method. The forging temperature is 460℃ and the deformation is 90%, to obtain an aluminum alloy free forging.

[0045] 4) The obtained free forgings are then die-forged at a temperature of 460℃.

[0046] 5) The obtained die forgings are subjected to solution treatment and aging treatment in a quenching furnace and an aging furnace in sequence. The solution treatment temperature is 525℃ and the aging treatment temperature is 170℃.

[0047] Example 2

[0048] 1) The 4032 aluminum alloy melt was subjected to modification treatment in a smelting furnace and refined using an online refining device; the modifier used in the modification treatment was Al-10Sr, and the amount was calculated based on the Sr element, which was 0.04% of the aluminum alloy melt; the online refining used Al-5Ti-B wire, and the amount was calculated based on the Ti element, which was 0.03% of the aluminum alloy melt.

[0049] 2) Casting is performed using a semi-continuous casting machine and a horizontal hot-top casting tool to obtain the specified specifications. The ingot is cast; during this process, the casting speed is 70 mm / min, and the cooling water flow rate is 20 m³ / min. 3 / h / Root calculation;

[0050] 3) The ingot obtained above is forged in a forging machine using a 2-upsetting and 2-drawing method. The forging temperature is 460℃ and the deformation is 90%, to obtain an aluminum alloy free forging.

[0051] 4) The above free forgings are extruded using an extrusion press, with an extrusion ratio of 10.5;

[0052] 5) The obtained extruded part is then die-forged at a temperature of 460℃.

[0053] 6) The obtained die forgings are subjected to solution treatment and aging treatment in a quenching furnace and an aging furnace in sequence. The solution treatment temperature is 525℃ and the aging treatment temperature is 170℃.

[0054] Comparative Example 2

[0055] 1) The 4032 aluminum alloy melt was subjected to modification treatment in a smelting furnace and refined using an online refining device; the modifier used in the modification treatment was Al-10Sr, and the amount was calculated based on the Sr element, which was 0.04% of the aluminum alloy melt; the online refining used Al-5Ti-B wire, and the amount was calculated based on the Ti element, which was 0.03% of the aluminum alloy melt.

[0056] 2) Casting is performed using a semi-continuous casting machine and a horizontal hot-top casting tool to obtain the specified specifications. The ingot is cast; during this process, the casting speed is 35 mm / min, and the cooling water flow rate is 15 m³ / min. 3 / h / Root calculation;

[0057] 3) The ingot obtained above is forged in a forging machine using a 2-upsetting and 2-drawing method. The forging temperature is 460℃ and the deformation is 90%, to obtain an aluminum alloy free forging.

[0058] 4) The above free forgings are extruded using an extrusion press, with an extrusion ratio of 10.5;

[0059] 5) The obtained extruded part is then die-forged at a temperature of 460℃.

[0060] 6) The obtained die forgings are subjected to solution treatment and aging treatment in a quenching furnace and an aging furnace in sequence. The solution treatment temperature is 525℃ and the aging treatment temperature is 170℃.

[0061] The performance of the tested examples and comparative examples is shown in Table 1.

[0062] Table 1. Performance data of aluminum alloy forgings prepared in the examples and comparative examples.

[0063]

[0064]

[0065] The above description of the embodiments is only for the purpose of helping to understand the method and core ideas of the present invention. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make several improvements and modifications to the present invention without departing from the principles of the present invention, and these improvements and modifications also fall within the protection scope of the claims of the present invention.

[0066] The above description of the disclosed embodiments enables those skilled in the art to make or use the invention. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be implemented in other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Therefore, the invention is not to be limited to the embodiments shown herein, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A method for improving the mechanical properties of a 4032 aluminum alloy forging, comprising the following steps: A) subjecting a 4032 aluminum alloy melt to modification treatment and on-line refinement; B) casting the aluminum alloy melt obtained in step A) to obtain an aluminum alloy ingot with a diameter of φ360mm to φ500mm; the casting speed is 40 to 100 mm / min, and the cooling water flow rate is 10 to 20 m 3 / h / root meter; C) subjecting the aluminum alloy ingot to two-up upset and two-down drawing to obtain a free forging; the temperature of the forging is 450-600℃, and the deformation of the forging is 82-92%; D) subjecting the free forging to extrusion, then to die forging, and finally to heat treatment; the extrusion ratio of the extrusion is 10.5-11.5; the heat treatment comprises solid solution treatment and aging treatment in sequence, the temperature of the solid solution treatment is 500-550℃, and the temperature of the aging treatment is 150-200℃.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein, The modifier for the modification treatment is Al-10Sr, and the amount of the modifier is 0.01-0.05wt% of the aluminum alloy melt in terms of the content of Sr element; the on-line refinement is Al-5Ti-B wire, and the amount of the on-line refinement is 0.01-0.05wt% of the aluminum alloy melt in terms of the content of Ti element.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein, The temperature of the die forging is ≥400℃.

4. The method according to claim 1 or 3, characterized in that, The temperature of the die forging is 450-600℃.

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