A Study of the Influence of Strain Hardening and Precipitation Hardening Sequence on Mechanical Properties of AlMgSi Conductor Alloys

Precipitation-hardenable AlMgSi alloys grade 6101 of 0.5% Mg and 0.5% Si contents, are used for the construction of homogenous wires in overhead power lines. The dominating group of alloys with increased electrical conductivity is the AlMgSi alloy group, these are HC, EHC and EEHC type materials with tensile strength at approximately 300 MPa and electrical conductivity lower than conventional wires (56,5 – 54,3 %IACS). The study presents the results of the research of AlMgSi wires heat treatment in compliance with the PN-EN 50183 standard. The shaping of heat treatable AlMgSi alloy rods and wires properties is possible through an appropriate sequence of a precipitation hardening (during ageing) and strain hardening (during drawing processes). This paper is a comprehensive analysis of the technologies for the production of wires from AlMgSi alloys.