Evolution of microstructure and crystallographic texture throughout the rolling process of AA3104

Abstract

The metallic components are manufactured through several thermomechanical processes. Each selected procedure has multiple targets. The first target is to obtain the required dimensional criteria and second, to achieve the ideal mechanical response toward the application. This is currently accomplished through years of knowhow combined with an academic background of materials science and engineering. Since metals are polycrystalline materials, the several rotations of the crystals, the preferred orientation also known as texture, and their interactions, are crucial characteristics that are directly correlated to the final response of the material, and one could apprehend its thermomechanical prehistory as well as predict is behavior. Different atomic arrangements act differently texture-wise therefore in the current review article, the evolution of the microstructure and the crystallographic texture through the thermomechanically rolling process especially of Al alloys for packaging applications is analyzed. The crystallographic texture evolution in 3xxx Al alloys in different processing routes is presented and compared to the anisotropic effects occurring during deep drawing. The earing phenomena in Al alloys are correlated to the produced texture and therefore their understanding is crucial in order to highlight the importance of texture control throughout the thermomechanical process.