Differential Speed Rolling of Twin-Roll-Cast 6xxx Al Alloy Strips and Its Influence on the Sheet Formability

Abstract

We demonstrate the feasibility of a technique that combines twin-roll strip casting, asymmetric rolling, and subsequent heat treatment, in obtaining Al alloy sheets with high-strength/high-formability. The precipitation-hardening Al alloy sheet thus obtained exhibited an excellent formability ((r) over bar = 1.20, Delta r = 0.17) and mechanical properties (sigma(TS) = 265 MPa, epsilon =35%), which cannot be readily obtained via the conventional route based on direct-chill casting and heavy rolling operation. In this study, we examined the effects of the various process conditions used at different stages of the process that contribute to the development of specific textures. Simulation studies based on the generalized spherical harmonic series expansion method and the viscoplastic self-consistent (VPSC) model were conducted to arrive at a comprehensive understanding of the factors associated with the high formability realized in Al alloy sheet It was found that specific textures evolved via twin-roll strip casting, asymmetric rolling, and heat treatment canceled out the anisotropic characteristics of the individual textures, resulting in the high sheet formability.