Abstract:Forward extrusion experiments of as-cast AZ31 magnesium alloy were conducted at different temperatures and different extrusion ratios using the as-cast billets with and without homogenizing treatment. The mechanical properties of pre- and post-extrusion of the two kinds of billets were investigated. Experimental results show that the mechanical properties of post-extrusion of the two kinds of billets all are obviously improved compared with those of pre-extrusion. The elongation of post-extrusion using the billet with homogenizing is higher than that without homogenizing, but the tensile strength is lower than that without homogenizing. When the extrusion ratio increases, the elongation and tensile strength of post-extrusion of two kinds of billets all will increase obviously. When the extrusion temperature of billet without homogenizing increases, the tensile strength of post-extrusion will decrease obviously and the elongation of post-extrusion will change to a small extent. For the billet with homogenizing, the tensile strength of post-extrusion will decrease in some sort when extrusion temperature increases.

Key words: as-cast AZ31 magnesium alloy; forward extrusion; tensile strength; elongation; homogenizing treatment; microstructure