AZ80 and ZC71/SiC/12p closed die forgings for automotive applications: technical and economic assessment of possible mass production

Abstract

In this study, redesigning for equal functional properties and rapid prototyping of hot forged automotive parts based on commercially available wrought magnesium alloys (AZ80) and composites (AZ80/SiC/12p) were performed. To achieve the same functional properties in a forged automotive component irrespective of the structural material selected, an automotive connecting rod, mass produced in aluminium alloy 6061, was redesigned to use wrought magnesium alloy (AZ80A) and particle reinforced magnesium alloy matrix composite (ZC71/SiC/12p). By applying conventional hot forging technology, prototype connecting rods were forged, trimmed, and heat-treated on a semiindustrial scale. The microstructure of both as extruded and hot forged specimens was examined and the tensile properties of AZ80, ZC71/SiC/12p, 6061 and 6061/SiC/15p test bars machined from hot forged connecting rods were measured. Weight reduction in the redesigned connecting rods was determined and the substitution of magnesium and aluminium based materials for steel was compared in terms of cost.