Analysis and porthole die design for a multi-hole extrusion process of a hollow, thin-walled aluminum profile

The appropriate die design for multi-hole extrusion is still a challenging task because of the complicated circumstances and large material deformation during extrusion process. In the present study, the material flow during multi-hole extrusion process for producing a hollow and thin-walled profile was revealed by means of numerical simulation based on the Arbitrary Lagrangian Eulerian (ALE) method. The effects of eccentricity ratio, shape of the second-step welding chamber, and uneven bearing length on the exit velocity distribution of extrudate were synthetically investigated, and a two-hole porthole die was designed accordingly. The exit velocity and temperature on the extrudate in this optimized die were analyzed and compared with the initial die, and it was found that both of them exhibit better uniformity, which is beneficial for the enhancement of product quality. Through performing the current work, a logical and effective route for designing multi-hole porthole die was proposed as the guidance for die designers.