Bi-metal rod extrusion - process and product optimization

The influence of the initial billet geometry on the product geometry during bi-material rod extrusion has been investigated. Both physical and numerical modeling techniques have been used in this study. Initial inner material length within a bi-material billet was optimized. The obtained experimental and numerical results confirmed the influence of the initial bi-material billet geometry on the geometrical stability of the extrudate cross-section. The proposed process modification resulted in improved process yield. A complex interface structure between AA2014 and AA6063 has been noted by light optical microscopy. (C) 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.