Study of Isothermal Split-Die Precision Forging Process of High-Strength Aluminum Alloy Complex-Shape Forgings
Taking the geometric configuration of complex-shape forging into account, the isothermal split-die forging method, which is one multi-way die forging technology and can be operated on the general hydraulic press, is employed. The temperatures of billed and dies are 420°C and 380°C in the isothermal forging process. The coupled thermo-mechanical finite element method (FEM) is used to analyze the forging process. FEM calculation results show several folds had been formed in the final forging process due to unreasonable geometric configuration of preform. The folds mechanism is that direction of velocities become cross on the surface of billet, and the folds can be avoided if the direction would be kept convex. And then the preform is redesigned. A set of isothermal precision forming equipment is designed and manufactured. The experimental results verify the selected process and preform configuration. And all of the hardness, dimensional accuracy and surface quality of the forgings obtained by the equipments satisfy the requirements.