A novel methodology for optimisation of product properties and production costs in fabrication of aluminium alloys

摘要

The present paper describes a novel methodology for optimization of product properties and production costs in fabrication of aluminium alloys. The main idea is to represent each operation along the process chain by predictive tools, which include material-, mechanical-, cost-and logistics models. An optimisation tool is used to collect the simulation models into a common software environment, which allows fully automatic simulations to be carried out. When this coupling is established, the models are run in sequence using different types of optimisation strategies. The methodology has been applied for optimisation of strength, grain structure and costs of 6xxx series aluminium extrusions. The results indicate that the present methodology is sufficiently relevant and comprehensive to be used as a tool in fabrication of various aluminium products, for instance in optimisation of end-user properties and production costs of extruded, rolled or foundry based alloys.