Process Optimization for Forging an AA6082 Automotive Upper Control Arm

Article Preview

Abstract:

This study examines the forging process of an aluminum upper control arm for automotive applications. To address the geometric complexity and forming challenges, a multi-step forging route, comprising of roll forging, two-stage bending, pre-forging, and final forging, is developed. Finite element analysis (FEA) using DEFORM-3D software is employed to optimize key forming process parameters in the pre‑forging stage. The response surface methodology (RSM), combined with the Box–Behnken design, is utilized to construct predictive models and identify optimal parameter combinations. A successful forged upper control arm is subsequently produced using these optimized forming parameters. The findings demonstrate that integrating FEA with statistical process optimization strengthens the predictive accuracy of the process design and supports defect‑free forging of AA6082 upper control arms.

You have full access to the following eBook

Info:

* - Corresponding Author

[1] X. Zou, Y. Zhou, Y. Xiao, D. Yuan, G. Xiang, Research on fatigue life of all-terrain vehicle control arm based on measured load spectrum, Cobot, 1:16, 2022.

DOI: 10.12688/cobot.17566.1

Google Scholar

[2] J. Hirsch, Recent development in aluminium for automotive applications, Transactions of Nonferrous Metals Society of China, 24(7):1995-2002, 2014.

DOI: 10.1016/s1003-6326(14)63305-7

Google Scholar

[3] X. Qian, N. Parson, X. Chen, Effects of Mn addition and related Mn-containing dispersoids on the hot deformation behavior of 6082 aluminum alloys, Materials Science and Engineering A, 764: 138253, 2019.

DOI: 10.1016/j.msea.2019.138253

Google Scholar

[4] L. Deng, H. Zhang, G. Li, X. Tang, P. Yi, Z. Liu, X. Wang, J. Jin, Processing map and hot deformation behavior of squeeze cast 6082 aluminum alloy, Transactions of Nonferrous Metals Society of China, 32(7): 2150-2163, 2022.

DOI: 10.1016/s1003-6326(22)65937-5

Google Scholar

[5] Schindler, P. Kawulok, V. Očenášek, P. Opěla, R. Kawulok, S. Rusz, Flow stress and hot deformation activation energy of 6082 aluminium alloy influenced by initial structural state, Metals, 9(12): 1248, 2019.

DOI: 10.3390/met9121248

Google Scholar

[6] L. Zhou, J. Luo, Y. Xiang, Effect of initial forging temperature on mechanical properties of free forging 6061 aluminum alloy (in Chinese), Hot Working Technology, (13): 109-111, 2020.

Google Scholar

[7] E. Gokcil, S. Akdi, Y. Birol, A novel processing route for the manufacture of EN AW 6082 forged components, Materials Research Innovations, 19:311-314, 2015.

DOI: 10.1179/1432891715z.0000000002179

Google Scholar

[8] D. Feng, X. Zhang, S. Liu, Z. Wu, Q. Tan, Rate controlling mechanisms in hot deformation of 7A55 aluminum alloy, Transactions of Nonferrous Metals Society of China, 24(1): 28-35, 2014.

DOI: 10.1016/s1003-6326(14)63024-7

Google Scholar

[9] X. Yuan, W. Rui, X. Guo, Research on hot deformation behaviors of 6061 Al alloy. Materials Science Forum, 1032: 141-146, 2021.

DOI: 10.4028/www.scientific.net/msf.1032.141

Google Scholar

[10] L. Wang, Z. Tao, Y. Huang, M. Shi, K. Tang, X. Ma, Recovering and hot deformation processing of recycled spray formed 7055 aluminum alloy powders, K. Mocellin, P.O. Bouchard, R. Bigot, T. Balan (eds), Proceedings of the 14th International Conference on the Technology of Plasticity - Current Trends in the Technology of Plasticity (ICTP 2023), 4:586-597, Lecture Notes in Mechanical Engineering, Springer, Cham, 2024.

DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-42093-1_56

Google Scholar

[11] F. Widerøe, T. Welo, Conditions for sticking friction between aluminium alloy AA6060 and tool steel in hot forming, Key Engineering Materials, 491:121-128, 2011.

DOI: 10.4028/www.scientific.net/kem.491.121

Google Scholar

[12] J. Pujante, M. Vilaseca, D. Casellas, et al., The role of adhesive forces and mechanical interaction on material transfer in hot forming of aluminium, Tribology Letters, 59:10, 2015.

DOI: 10.1007/s11249-015-0542-1

Google Scholar

[13] J. Kim, E. Kobayashi, T. Sato, Influence of natural aging time on two-step aging behavior of Al-Mg-Si(-Cu) alloys, Materials Transactions, 56(11): 1771-1780, 2005.

DOI: 10.2320/matertrans.l-m2015824

Google Scholar

[14] R.T. Prabhu, Modelling studies on effects of deformation speed, preform shape, and upset ratio on the forging characteristics of the aerospace structural Al alloys, International Journal of Materials and Product Technology, 54(4):291-305, 2017.

DOI: 10.1504/ijmpt.2017.10003618

Google Scholar

[15] P.F. Gao, M.Y. Fei, X.G. Yan, et al., Prediction of the folding defect in die forging: A versatile approach for three typical types of folding defects, Journal of Manufacturing Processes, 39:181-191, 2019.

DOI: 10.1016/j.jmapro.2019.02.027

Google Scholar

[16] H. Hu, X. Qin, D. Zhang, X. Ma, A novel severe plastic deformation method for manufacturing AZ31 magnesium alloy tube, The International Journal of Advanced Manufacturing Technology, 98(1-4): 897-903, 2018.

DOI: 10.1007/s00170-018-2179-3

Google Scholar

[17] G. Box, K. Wilson, On the experimental attainment of optimum conditions. Journal of the Royal Statistical Society Series B, 13(1):1-45, 1951.

Google Scholar

[18] G. Box, D. Behnken, Some new three-level designs for the study of quantitative variables, Technometrics. 2(4):455–75, 1960.

DOI: 10.2307/1266454

Google Scholar

[19] R. Rajagopal, et al., Optimizing the implementation of safe and sustainable by design to better enable sustainable innovation, iScience, 28(8): 113116, 2025.

DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2025.113116

Google Scholar

[20] L. Deng, J. Xia, X. Wang, Precision forging technology for long shaft parts, In: Precision Forging Technology and Equipment for Aluminum Alloy, Springer Series in Advanced Manufacturing, Springer, Singapore, 2022.

DOI: 10.1007/978-981-19-1828-5_4

Google Scholar

[21] Y. Huang, L. Wang, M. Shi, X. Ma, A contact and friction model for forming of galvanized steel sheet based on fractal theory, G. Daehn, J. Cao, B. Kinsey, E. Tekkaya, A. Vivek, Y. Yoshida (eds), Proceedings of the 13th International Conference on the Technology of Plasticity - Forming the Future (ICTP2021), 97-112, The Minerals, Metals & Materials Series, Springer, Cham, 2021.

DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-75381-8_8

Google Scholar

[22] L. Zhou, R. Sun, Z. Gao, D. Si, L. Wang, Forging process on automotive aluminum alloy control arm based on CAE, Forging & Stamping Technology, 49(3):1-7, 2024.

Google Scholar

[23] G. Kuhlman, Forging of Aluminum Alloys, S. Semiatin (eds), ASM Handbook, 14A: 299-312, ASM International, 2005.

Google Scholar

[24] L. Deng, J. Xia, X. Wang, Precision forging presses for aluminum alloy, In: Precision Forging Technology and Equipment for Aluminum Alloy, Springer Series in Advanced Manufacturing, Springer, Singapore, 2022.

DOI: 10.1007/978-981-19-1828-5_7

Google Scholar

[25] Y. Hwang, C. Lu, G. Lin, et al., Die design and finite-element analysis for the hot forging of automotive wheel frames made of aluminium alloy, The International Journal of Advanced Manufacturing Technology, 137, 2681–2695, 2025.

DOI: 10.1007/s00170-025-15340-1

Google Scholar