Optimization of pressure and depth of forming for box-shaped superplastic forming of AZ31B magnesium alloy

• Main Authors: Madarapu, Anjaiah, Babu, Jalumedi, Venkata Ramana, M.
• Format: Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Subjects: AZ31B Magnesium Alloy; Box shape; Superplastic forming; Thickness variation
• ISSN: 2214-7853; 2214-7853
• DOI: 10.1016/j.matpr.2022.01.445

Superplastic Forming (SPF) is the designers first choice for producing the products that have complexity as used in automobiles and aircraft. The ratio of strength to weight is a primary concern. SPF of sheet widely used in the manufacture of the products with more significant complexities simultaneously lighter and more robust than with any other manufacturing process. Superplastic formed products having shapes like hemispherical, conical and box result in significant variation in thickness. The lowest thickness will be at the locations where the sheet contacts the die at last. The complexity of the product, forming depth, and pressure affects the thinning. An unmitigated understanding of stress, strain rates, and strains during the forming process and the use of suitable pressures for forming can reduce this problem. In this study, magnesium alloy, AZ31 B, has various industrial applications has chosen for Superplastic forming to carry out investigations. The present study focused on optimization of pressure, depth of forming during superplastic forming of box-shaped component of AZ31B Magnesium alloy. Results revealed that minimum pressure, will results in minimum thinning characteristics, maximum pressure results in minimum forming time. Results also reveal that the optimum combination of process parameters is 0.2 MPa for pressure and 20 mm depth of forming, for higher thinning ratio and lower forming time and pressure has more influence than the depth of forming.