Experimental investigation of the thixoforging of tubes of low-carbon steel

This article presents the outcomes of using thixo-extrusion (backward and forward) to produce tubes in low-carbon steel, grade SAE1006 (C05). According to the literature data, the semisolid state of this steel, required for thixoforging, is very difficult to obtain and has never been studied for this type of shaping. The experimental tests involve using an inductive heating and a flashless forging process. This work shows the route and possibility to obtain a usable semisolid by inductive heating for thixoforging of this steel grade. It shows by simulation the validation steps before the shaping and the forming constraints. A geometrical analysis of the parts revealed the good dimensional performance of thixoforging processes with high repeatability and a good microstructure. Such thixoforged tubes extend the dimensional limits of the tube wall thickness, as compared to the case of conventional forging in one step and in the framework of a typical industrial installation. These results could be integrated into a knowledge management system of thixoforging to identify new possibility of components.