Pulse Current Auxiliary Thermal Deep Drawing of SiCp/2024Al Composite Sheet with Poor Formability

The pulse current auxiliary thermal deep drawing (PCATDD) of SiCp/2024Al composite sheets with poor formability was investigated and an integrated high-efficient heating and deep drawing process design was developed to improve the formability of SiCp/2024Al composites. The average pulse current density was achieved at 21.7 A/mm² with temperature of SiCp/2024Al composites reaching around 673 K in the 50 s. The temperature uniformity of the sheet electrified by the high-intensity pulse current and temperature gradients between the sliding core and top flat of female die were investigated to achieve precise temperature control of sheet and die. During electrification, the stainless steel inserts between the sheet and the copper electrodes successfully prevented heat dissipation and promoted temperature uniformity. Meanwhile, the temperature gradients can be efficiently controlled by blowing high-speed air. The workpiece showed good shape retention, surface quality, and high geometry accuracy. The present study has verified successfully the feasibility of process procedure for PCATDD of SiCp/2024Al composites sheet.