Microstructure and mechanical properties of directly thixoforged complex box-shape 2A14 part with large wall-thickness difference

Abstract

To form complex box-shape parts with large wall-thickness difference, a directly thixoforged technology of 2A14 alloy with low-cost and short-process was proposed and verified. The results showed that complex components were successfully thixoforged. Solid grains in the microstructure of the thixoforged parts exhibited a large deformation degree. This led to an obvious improvement in the mechanical properties of the thixoforged parts. No obvious liquid segregation was found in the microstructure. High mechanical properties were obtained in the thixoforged 2A14 alloy components. The yield strength varied from 157.1 to 187.3 MPa, the ultimate tensile strength varied from 268.2 to 316.6 MPa, and the elongation varied from 7.8% to 24.9%. Increase in plastic deformation degree caused by larger size and less round grains is beneficial to the mechanical properties of the thixoforged components.