Optimization of the Process Parameters of Semi-solid Forging of A356 Aluminum Alloy

摘要

Light weight structural materials especially Al-alloys play an important role in achieving vehicle weight reduction and improving fuel economy in the automotive industry. Semi-solid forging (SSF) is a recent advancement in forging technology. This process involves the heating of billet to the semi-solid state in a coexisting liquid and solid phase and subsequently forging. The primary objective of this paper is to analyze the influence of the process parameters on hardness and wear characteristics in the Semi-Solid Forging of A356 aluminum-alloy using Taguchi method. In Taguchi method, a three level orthogonal array has been used to determine the S/N ratio. Analysis of variance and the forging test values are used to determine the most significant process parameters affecting the mechanical properties of A354 Al-alloy. The results indicate that Forging temperature and Die preheating temperature are the influential parameters to create appreciable improvement in the mechanical properties of the Semi-Solid Forged components.