May 13 - 16, 2008
Gaylord Palms
Orlando, Florida USA

Extrusion/Die Practical

049 PR 
Wednesday, May 14 - 10:30am

Static and Dynamic Mechanical Properties of Longitudinal Weld Seams in Industrial AA6060, AA6082, and AA7020 Aluminum Extrusions

Andrew James den Bakker -- Nedal Aluminium B.V., The Netherlands;
Simon-Peter Edwards -- Netherlands Institute for Metals Research, The Netherlands, (Currently at Special Metals Wiggin Ltd., UK.);
Rens Ubels -- National Aerospace Laboratory NLR, The Netherlands

Die shapes and process settings must be optimized for various alloys to ensure strong weld seam performance, especially dynamic mechanical performance. Differences in weld seam properties of industrially relevant alloys are investigated. Extrusion tests are conducted on box-section AA6082 and AA7020 profiles where weld seam quality is a critical factor (AA6060 reference material). Extrusions receive mechanical characterization via tensile, fracture toughness, and fatigue testing.