Twin parallel channel angular extrusion as a development of ECAE in parallel channels

Equal Channel Angular Extrusion (ECAE) is a simple process which is suitable to deform bulk materials into extremely large strains in order to achieve ultra-fine grained (UFG) structures. However, ECAE has some limitations. In order to eliminate these shortcomings, some methods were developed including ECAE in parallel channels. In the present work, a new processing technique based on ECAE in parallel channels is introduced which is named Twin Parallel Channel Angular Extrusion. DEFORM 3D software was used to simulate and study the flow pattern during the process. In addition, the deformation of aluminum samples was conducted using this processing technique, and load–displacement curves and hardness profiles were used to confirm the validness of the simulation. The comparison of this method with the previous basic one, which is named Single Parallel Channel Angular Extrusion in this paper, was carried out. With respect to the previous method, the results show that the present one is efficient in imposing strain for more volumes of materials in addition to less energy consumption and more buckling stability of the using punch.