There is a large number of methods for severe plastic deformation (SPD). Multidirectional forging (MDF) is probably one of the most easily scalable for industrial application. In general, two main conditions need to be fulfilled for successful SPD processing: constan t sample geometry and application of a quasi - hydrostatic pressure. The first condition is necessary for strain accumulation by repetitive deformation and the second one helps preventing cracking in the specimens with high accumulated strain. However, MDF i s not providing quasi - hydrostatic condition in the processed sample. This paper reports a novel method for severe plastic deformation, namely continuous close d die forging (CCDF), which fulfils both requirements for the successful deformation of samples to a very high accumulated strain. Commercially pure aluminum (1050) was processed to a total strain of 24 by CCDF. After processing, the microstructure was refined down to a mean grain size of 0. 78 µm . Tensile testing showed good mechanical properties: yiel d strength and ultimate tensile strength of the ultrafine - grained (UFG) aluminum were 180 and 226 MPa, respectively. Elongation to rupture was about 18%. The microstructure, microhardness and grain boundary statistics are discussed with regard to the high mechanical properties of the UFG aluminum processed by th is novel method.

Peer Reviewed