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

Extrusion/Die Practical

050 PR
Friday, May 16 - 9:00am

Experimental Study of Longitudinal Weld Seam Properties in Tubular AA6060 and AA6082 Extrusions

Andrew James den Bakker -- Nedal Aluminium B.V., The Netherlands;
Wim H. Sillekens -- TNO Science & Industry, The Netherlands

A literature study combining process conditions and metal-flow characteristics is shown to control weld-seam quality. Lab-scale extrusion tests with EN-AW6060 and EN-AW6082 alloys are performed under controlled temperature and speed conditions. Tubular sections are produced using porthole dies with a mandrel supported by three bridges. Extrusion tests reveal microstructural features and mechanical integrity at the weld seam, with a focus on ductility. Pronounced differences in weld-seam quality are shown to exist between alloys and tempers, but also relative to location along length and on die design.