The Description of Precision Forging Technology in Closed Die of Mg Alloy AZ31 Using Computer Simulation

Abstract

Automotive industry is nowadays constantly strengthening its dominant position. Its primary objective is to reduce weight of automobiles in order to decrease fuel consumption and amount of harmful pollutant emissions. From the viewpoint of further development in the field of automotive industry, very interesting are the issues of die forgings production from light non-ferrous metals. This article describes research of precision die forging technology in closed die with regard to magnesium alloy type AZ 31. Given alloy type Mg-Al-Zn is suitable for bulk forming and is characterized by good formability at hot conditions. Results of this research may be applied to production of forgings with longitudinal shape, e.g. levers and connecting rods. In order to verify the design of forging technology in closed die for lever-shaped forged piece the simulation program MSC.SuperForge was used. Numeric simulation of die forging process confirmed suitable designed shape and dimensions of semi product and also correct material plastic flow in cavity of closed die.

Mg-Alloys for Forging Applications—A Review

“…AZ31 was used by Kápustová and Bílik [62,63] to form a lever by closed die forging without flash. This forming process exhibits high hydrostatic stress and reduced material loss because of the missing forging flash, on the other hand it is primarily useful for the production of simple, rotary-shaped parts and requires a specifically shaped forging stock.…”