New Forming Process of Three-Dimensionally Shaped Magnesium Parts Utilizing High-Strain-Rate Superplasticity

Abstract

The applicability of high-strain-rate superplasticity for forming magnesium parts, especially structural component with a boss on a plate designed with the aim of producing mobile electric appliances, was examined. The required microstructure and grain refinement process for target forming was examined prior to the forming trials. Following the examination of the processing design, the high-strain-rate superplastic AZ91 magnesium alloy with a required grain size less than 3.2 μm was produced by hot extrusion under the condition that the Zener-Hollomon parameter was 3 × 10¹² s⁻¹. It was experimentally confirmed that a boss with a height greater than 5 mm, which is a requirement for electric appliances, could be formed within 10 s even at a low temperature of 523 K using this high-strain-rate superplastic magnesium alloy. Basic knowledge related to the formation of three-dimensionally shaped magnesium parts by utilizing high-strain-rate superplasticity was obtained.