Optimization of Process Parameters in Continuous Extrusion of Aluminium Alloy

Extrusion process is a compressive forming process for pruducing product of limited length and continuous extrusion process used to produced continuous profiles with a high extent of accuracy. The essential process parameters in the extrusion process are wheel velocity and extrusion ratio which influence the properties of the extruded product mechanically as well as metallurgically. In this study, aluminium rods are used for continuous extrusion on commercial extrusion set up TBJ 350 for feedstock diameter of 9.5 mm at different wheel velocities and extrusion ratios using different die size. The ultimate tensile strength, hardness and percentage elongation of the extruded feedstock at different wheel velocity and extrusion ratio are assessed by performing the tensile and hardnesstest. A numerical model has also been developed to predict the ultimate tensile strength and hardness of the extruded feed stocks. Using the response surface methodology, modelling is carried out based on two factor three-level central composite rotatable designs. The developed model has been validated using the ANOVA technique. A 95% confidence level was obtained from the predicted mechanical properties for the numerical model.