Effect of rate of cooling after homogenization on direct-extrusion parameters of 6063 (Al-Mg-Si) billets

Abstract

By using different rapid coo lings of 6063 billets after homogenization a number of properties of this material can be decisively influenced. Thus, with direct extrusion, the extrusion andfrictionalloads depend on the size and distribution of the Mg₂Si precipitates as do the surface quality of the extruded section and the maximum extrusion rate achieved, and also the mechanical properties achieved after artificial aging after extrusion. The relationships between these parameters were measured quantitatively in this study. Thus, with 6063 and in principle also with higher alloyed material, it is possible, merely by choosing a suitable cooling rate after homogl!nization, to predetermine, as required, the most important characteristics of an extruded section.