Isothermal deformation of spray formed Al–Zn–Mg–Cu alloy

The isothermal deformation of a V-shaped component was simulated by the DEFORMTM process simulation software. The material flow, internal stress and temperature of the billet’s interior were investigated during the process of deforming, and the simulation results showed that bar billet is more suitable than sheet billet for producing the V-shaped component. The real isothermal deformation process was carried out with bar billet, and the microstructure of the shaped component was greatly refined. After heat treatment, the ultimate tensile strength (UTS) of the component can reach 817 MPa. The results show that isothermal deformation is a low cost and high efficient compaction technique for produce components from the spray formed Al–Zn–Mg–Cu alloy.

► We model the isothermal forming of V-shaped component made of sprayed form material.
► We examine the material flow, the stress and the temperature field in the billet.
► Bar billet is more suitable for producing the V-shaped component than sheet billet.
► The microstructure of the billet was greatly refined after isothermal deformation.
► The spray formed material exhibits good mechanical properties after forming.