PNNL

Abstract

Shear Assisted Processing and Extrusion (ShAPE) was used to fabricate aluminum alloy 6063 tubing from secondary industrial scrap billets in the as-cast, unhomogenized, condition. Iron content up to 0.3 wt% was investigated to explore the tolerance of ShAPE to ferrous contamination in the feedstock. Extensive refinement of Fe-rich second phases enabled tensile properties to meet, and in some cases exceed, industry standard values. For process temperatures ranging from 470-530 °C using unhomogenized billets with 0.3 wt% Fe, T6 properties averaged 214 MPa yield strength, 243 MPa ultimate strength, and 15.5% uniform elongation. For 0.2 wt% Fe, T6 properties averaged 233 MPa yield strength, 260 MPa ultimate strength, and 16.5% uniform elongation.