Net-Shape Forming of a Roof Joint Node by Thixoforming of A357 Aluminum Alloy for a Low Speed Electric Vehicle

Abstract:

In the present study, process developments for net-shape forming of aluminum roof joint node have been described. These joint node parts were designed for low speed electric vehicles of which operating condition is more moderate than general compact cars. Thixoforming of Al-7%Si-0.5%Mg (A357) alloy has been applied to the net-shape forming of a complex roof joint node to support aluminum space frame structure of low speed electric vehicle. Optimum heating temperature for the A357 billet was between 580 and 585°C corresponding to the semi-solid temperatures showing 20-30% of liquid fraction. An injection speed of around 100mm/s and preheating of die at temperatures of 200~250°C were also necessary conditions to obtain reasonable thixoformed parts.

• Periodical: Advanced Materials Research (Volumes 774-776)
• Pages: 1145-1148
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.4028/www.scientific.net/AMR.774-776.1145
• Online since: September 2013
• Authors: Sang Yong Lee*
• Keywords: A357 Aluminum Alloy, Low Speed Electric Vehicle, Roof Joint Node, Thixoforming

References

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[3] S.Y. Lee, S.I. Oh and K.Y. Sohn: Proc. of 7th Int. Conf. on Semi-Solid Processing of Alloys and Composites, Tskuba, Japan, (2002), p.119.