Advanced direct extrusion process with real-time controllable extrusion parameters for microstructure optimization of magnesium alloys

Abstract The extrusion speed and deformation temperature are important factors affecting the microstructure development during the deformation. Microstructure development plays a crucial role in the performance of the mechanical properties of materials. In direct extrusion, the homogeneous evolution of the microstructure in the length of the extruded bar could be affected due to its non-isothermal exit temperature evolution. Thus, a new set-up is suggested with real-time controllable speed and temperature to characterize the influence of temperature on the microstructure and obtain its homogeneous development for the magnesium alloy. During the extrusion, the temperature of the extruded bar is evaluated by using the infra-red camera, and the extrusion speed is simultaneously controlled in real-time depending on the temperature difference between a set temperature reference and the one obtained from the infra-red camera. This suggested set-up of extrusion is evaluated in terms of the microstructure and temperature evolution of the extruded bar.