Microstructure modeling for processing of 6xxx extrusion alloys

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The globalization of the metals industry is resulting in extreme competitive pressures on the Canadian metals sector. As a result, there is increased awareness by Canadian companies such as Rio Tinto Alcan that they must focus on high valued added products. The current proposal is a collaboration between Rio Tinto Alcan and UBC to address this need. This project examines extrusion of 6xxx aluminum alloys which are used in a variety of applications including the construction and transportation sectors. The primary objective of this work is to develop knowledge based models for this process which will aid industry in improving the properties and quality of 6xxx products. The approach taken will be a combination of focused experiments and state of the art modelling techniques. The scope of the work will start with industrially produced as-cast alloys and then encompass the following aspects of the process: homogenization of the alloys, hot extrusion and artificial ageing. The benefits to Canada include i) the development and transfer of specific knowledge to the industrial partner, Rio Tinto Alcan, ii) the education of graduate students, and research associates (the need for highly qualified personnel has been identified by the industry) and iii) the expansion of internationally leading expertise on the physical metallurgy of aluminum alloys at UBC.