# Microstructure Evolution Behaviors and Mechanical Properties of 6082-0.2Zr-0.3Er Alloy During the Pre-Hardened Hot Forming Process

## TL;DR

This study explores how a new hot forming process affects the structure and strength of a specific aluminum alloy.

## Contribution

The paper introduces a pre-hardened hot forming process that improves mechanical properties of 6082-0.2Zr-0.3Er alloy.

## Key findings

- PHF treatment leads to directional grain and precipitate arrangements and enhanced texture coefficients.
- The PHF process increases the proportion of fine second-phase particles in the alloy.
- Mechanical properties, including strength and elongation, improve by about 12.1% with PHF.

## Abstract

Combining a comparative experimental study and theoretical analysis, the feasibility and corresponding action mechanisms of the pre-hardened hot forming (PHF) process applied to 6082-0.2Zr-0.3Er alloy were discussed. The results indicate that unlike a traditional process, after PHF treatment, both the grains and the precipitates at the grain boundaries show a certain directional arrangement, and the texture coefficients of (220) and (200) are enhanced. Although the average size of the second phase is almost the same, the proportion of the fine second phase in the PHF-treated sample is larger. In addition to shortening the processing time and improving the production efficiency, the PHF process was proven to be beneficial for the improvement in the comprehensive mechanical properties of this 6082-0.2Zr-0.3Er alloy, with the product of strength and elongation increased by about 12.1% under the given conditions. Furthermore, with the optimization of process parameters, the improvement effect is expected to be further enhanced.