The plastic flow machining: A new SPD process for producing metal sheets with gradient structures
Highlights: • A new process named Plastic Flow Machining is presented to produce thin sheets by an extrusion operation from bulk material. • The produced sheets present ultra-fine grain structures, good mechanical properties and high formability. • A deformation gradient was found across the thickness of the sheet regarding plastic strain, microstructure and texture. - Abstract: A new severe plastic deformation process is presented – the plastic flow machining – an extrusion process during which a sheet is formed through a lateral opening of the die in a single operation. The sheet is heavily deformed presenting an ultra-fine grain structure. Experimental results are presented for commercially pure aluminum concerning microstructures, textures and mechanical properties. A gradient structure was found across the thickness of the sheet concerning plastic strain, grain size and texture. Only simple shear textures were seen. The material strength increased by a factor of three with significant ductility and with relatively high Lankford parameter.