Production process of forged aluminum hinge_Industry News_Tallsen

The production of forged aluminum hinges involves several steps, including blank making, pre-forging, final forging, machining, and heat treatment. This article will provide a detailed explanation of each process to help you better understand the production process.

1. Blank Making:

The first step in the production of forged aluminum hinges is blank making. Due to the complex structure and large deformation of long wheelbase hinges, it is not feasible to use bar or profile to make billets as it would greatly increase the forging process. Therefore, a 125OkN die-casting machine is used to die-cast billets at a low speed. This method not only reduces the forging process but also ensures a uniform metal flow and continuous fiber. During die-casting, the die-casting machine's injection rate is controlled by adjusting the valve opening to inject the molten metal slowly. This allows the gas in the cavity to be discharged through the exhaust groove, effectively eliminating defects such as porosity and shrinkage inside the finished blank. X-ray real-time imaging is used to inspect the blank for any internal defects.

2. Pre-forging:

As a result of the low-speed die-casting process, the shape of the blank closely resembles that of the final forging. Thus, only two forgings are required to meet the size requirements. Pre-forging and final forging are carried out to achieve the desired shape. Pre-forging improves the dimensional accuracy of the workpiece and ensures complete filling at the corners of the outer surface. A mold is used on a punching machine to remove the excess material from the pre-forged forging. The pre-forging process includes heating, preservation, forging, and air cooling. This process helps achieve a dense internal structure, excellent surface quality, and stable dimensions.

3. Final Forging:

The pre-forged forging undergoes final forging to further enhance its dimensional accuracy and surface quality. The final forging process completely fills the cavity and ensures a dense internal structure. This is achieved by heating the pre-forged forging, preserving the temperature, forging it with a press, and finally air cooling it. The result is a forging that meets the required size specifications and exhibits excellent mechanical properties.

4. Machining:

After the forging process, the forged aluminum hinge is subjected to machining operations. A special jig is used to process the mounting holes, ensuring precise dimensions and alignment with other components.

5. Heat Treatment:

The final step in the production of forged aluminum hinges is heat treatment. The drawing specifications dictate the use of 6061-T6 aluminum alloy. T6 treatment involves a solution treatment and artificial aging process. For wrought aluminum 6061, the solution treatment is carried out at a temperature of (5405) for a duration of 1/6-1 hour. After the solution treatment, the forging is cooled in cold water. The artificial aging treatment is then performed at a temperature of (1755) for 6-10 hours. This heat treatment process enhances the mechanical properties of the forging, increasing its tensile strength to over 280MPa, thereby meeting the requirements for its intended use.

In conclusion, the production of forged aluminum hinges involves several crucial steps, including blank making, pre-forging, final forging, machining, and heat treatment. Each process is carefully carried out to ensure dimensional accuracy, surface quality, and mechanical properties of the final product. By following these production procedures, manufacturers can produce high-quality forged aluminum hinges that meet the required specifications and satisfy customer demands.