Examination of the effect of homogenization processes through compression tests in aluminum alloys

Formability characterises the behaviour of the metals during shaping, more precisely, the accumulated deformation until rupture or fracture. Formability can be influenced by several factors and can be characterized with several methods. In this paper, the effect of the processes occurring during the pre-heating and homogenization of formable aluminium alloys was studied. Three commercial aluminum alloys, namely, 3003, 5005 and 5052 were involved into the investigation to reveal the different behaviours resulting from composition differences. The characterization of hot formability must be characterized by a rapid and simple method in cases when large number of sample series must be handled. In parallel, reliable results of the examination method is required. To fulfil both requirements, cold and hot compression tests were carried out with an Instron 5982 universal material tester equipment. The rapid heating of the samples during hot compression tests was realized with a unique own-made inductive heating device. Thus, the effect of dynamic recrystallization during hot compression, while static recrystallization during cold compression tests and subsequent annealing could be studied. The performed experiments were used to simulate the effects of the cold-rolling and hot-rolling. The resulting grain structures were studied with Barker etching technique. (paper)