Cold forging of high strength aluminum alloys and the development of new thermomechanical processing

Cold forging is a process suitable for manufacturing low-cost and high quality automotive components in high strength aluminium alloys. This method is particularly suitable for parts with narrow geometrical tolerances, good concentricity, smooth surface finish and for near net shape products. However, an increasing request for producing components at a lower cost requires even more economical production processes. Forming in the warm condition is an alternative process that has the advantages of producing rather complicated geometrical shapes in less operation steps compared to cold forming. In addition, warm forming at moderate temperatures has all the benefits of cold forming including good control of the microstructure and thereby improved strength and ductility. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science S.A. All rights reserved.