Precision Aluminium Alloy Plastic Working
Aluminium alloy plastic working is a process that uses heat, pressure, and force to attain the desired shape and characteristics of a part. It is done usually on sheets or rods of aluminium alloy, which contain different elements in their constitutions. Depending on the type of alloy and the temperature of the working, this process can lead to changes in the mechanical characteristics of the alloy. For example, some alloys become softer and stretchier after plastic working, while others become harder and more resistant.
One of the main advantages of precision aluminium alloy plastic working is the possibility to obtain consistent results with a relatively high level of precision. This makes it the preferred choice for the production of parts that need to be consistent, such as engine components and aerospace parts. In comparison to other plastic working processes, aluminium alloy plastic working requires less energy and yields quicker turnaround times (sometimes only minutes) and higher accuracy.
Plastic working also allows more complex and/or intricate shapes to be created, making it preferable for precision moulds, dies, and other intricate parts with complex shapes. Due to its precision and accuracy, alloy plastic working is becoming increasingly popular in industries of automotive, medical, aerospace, and electronics.
The temperature used in plastic working of aluminium alloys depends on the intended effects and features. There are two types of effects that can be applied at different temperatures: softening and strengthening. Softening entails heating up the alloy to a certain point and keeping it at that temperature for a certain period of time, until the alloy reaches a certain level of flexibility. Strengthening involves cooling the alloy in order to harden it. Depending on the strength and flexibility levels required, either softening or strengthening will be used.
ALTERNATIVELY, ALLOY PLASTIC WORKING CAN BE DIVIDED INTO SEVERAL MAIN TYPES:
• Forming: Forming is achieved by manipulating the shape of a metal sheet by processing techniques such as bending, drawing, spinning, and rolling.
• Cold Working: Cold working is achieved by applying pressure to the metal sheet in order to produce a permanent-shape without introducing any heat.
• Hot Working: Hot working involves the use of heat in order to process the metal sheet. It is usually used in order to produce a particular shape and its properties are usually changed with the use of this technique.
• Forging: This is the process of using a hammer or a press to apply pressure to the metal sheet, in order to produce a desired shape and/or feature.
• Extrusion: Extrusion is a technique used for producing parts of a certain cross-section, such as tubes, profiles, and wires. In this technique, a heated billet is forced through a die until it reaches the desired size and shape.
The precision aluminium alloy plastic working process can be used in a large range of applications, from simple parts to complex ones. This process is used to produce automotive parts, aerospace parts, and other industrial or commercial products. It is also used for moulds and dies for injection moulding. By adjusting the temperature and pressure of the alloy-working process, a high degree of precision and accuracy can be achieved. Furthermore, with plastic working, this precision can be sustained due to its consistency. Finally, since the process is done on a durable material like aluminium, it is usually used for components with a long service life.
