Investigation of the effect of forging temperature and heat treatment parameters on microstructure and mechanical properties in aluminum hot forging process

Aluminum alloys are widely used in industry due to their low density, good machinability, and high corrosion resistance. These materials are commonly utilized in various sectors such as automotive, aerospace, transportation, electronics, and manufacturing. Aluminum alloys, produced in ingot form through the electrolysis process, are shaped into desired geometries using different manufacturing techniques depending on their intended application. These techniques are generally classified into five main categories: extrusion, casting, forging, rolling, and semi-solid forming. Among these, forging stands out as one of the most effective methods for enhancing the mechanical properties and fatigue resistance of aluminum materials. In this study, the effects of different forging temperatures and subsequent heat treatment parameters on the microstructure and mechanical properties of 6082 aluminum alloy were investigated. Experimental work involved forging the AA6082 alloy at two different temperatures (150 °C and 450 °C), followed by solution treatment at a constant temperature of 530 °C for three different durations (60, 90, and 120 minutes). The samples were then subjected to artificial aging at 180 °C for 8 hours. Tensile tests were conducted on specimens prepared from the forged products to evaluate their mechanical properties, and hardness measurements and microstructural analyses were also carried out. Additionally, the influence of the initial semi-product manufacturing method (extrusion, horizontal casting, and vertical casting) on the mechanical properties and grain size of the material after the forging process was examined. As a result of the study, it was determined that the specimens forged at 150 °C and subjected to T6-type heat treatment exhibited the most favorable combination of microstructural and mechanical properties.