Microstructure and mechanical properties evolution of 6061 aluminum alloy formed by forward thixoextrusion process

Thixoforming process is a semisolid metal processing route, which involves forming of alloys in the semisolid state to near net shaped products. To investigate the effects of thixoextrusion parameters on microstructure and mechanical properties of commercial 6061 aluminum alloy, forward extrusion experiments were carried out in the semisolid state. The results showed that fine and globular microstructure can be achieved using semisolid forming. SEM micrographs and mechanical tests results showed that the tensile behavior of thixoformed specimens at billet temperatures below 620 °C is relatively elastic and brittle. With increasing die temperature up to 620 °C more elongation value and ductility were obtained in the thixoformed specimens.