Investigation of machinability depending on aging process of AA6XXX series aluminum alloys

This study investigated the effects of aging process on the mechanical properties and machinability in AA6013and AA6082 aluminum alloys. To this end, AA6013 and AA6082 aluminum alloy samples were maintained in heat treatment furnace at 520oC (for 8 hours) and placed in hot water (at 75oC), and then subjected to aging process by storing in heat treatment furnace (at 180oC) for different times (1, 3, 6, 9, 12 and 24 hours). Changes in the mechanical properties and machinability properties of samples that underwent aging process were investigated. At the end of the aging process, an increase was observed in mechanical properties of aluminum alloys. Depending on the increase in aging time, a rise was found in cutting forces occurred during the machining of alloy. High mechanical properties were obtained at the end of the 6-hour aging process in aluminum alloys. Mechanical and machinability properties obtained at the end of 6-hour aging are similar to those obtained at the end of 24 hours.