Reprocessing of aluminum chips by hot backward extrusion

In this work the recycling of cold pressed aluminum chips by a hot backward extrusion process is investigated. By using a non-melting approach common casting losses are avoided. After cold compaction, the hot backward extrusion process is carried out with a high speed hydraulic forming press under variation of forming speed, temperature and force. Subsequently, forged parts were analysed by mechanical tests and metallographic examinations. The investigations have shown that aluminum chips can be consolidated into a semi-finished part with local relative densities up to 100 %. In comparison to common continuous non-melting chip recycling techniques the investigated process chain has the potential to reduce the effort of post-treatment noticeable by producing semi-finished components from aluminum waste.