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Consolidation of aluminum powder during extrusion
Author(s)
Date Issued
July 1, 2008
Type
Article
Abstract
A study was conducted to show the consolidation of various grades of aluminum powder to pore-free density by extrusion. Powder metallurgy compacts are subjected to extrusion to provide the desired shape to the product and modify the microstructure to improve mechanical properties. Consolidation of the precompacted powders occurs primarily within the constraint of the extrusion container prior to extrusion. 2D and 3D density/porosity contour maps of precompacted powder billets at various levels of extrusion, and extrudates from each powder grade, reflect similar stages of consolidation behavior, independent of the characteristics of the aluminum powder. Microindentation hardness levels of extrudates attained steady-state values at essentially the same extrudate distance in the three grades of aluminum powder. However, the distance in breakthrough pressure is a result of different powder flow characteristics, which are influenced primarily by particle shape and not particle size.
Citation
International Journal of Powder Metallurgy Princeton New Jersey, 44(4), 27-36, 2008