A Case Study to Solve the Problem of Wall Thickness Attenuation during Extrusion to Produce a Complex Hollow Magnesium Profile

The present case study addressed a practical problem of wall thickness attenuation during extrusion to produce a complex thin-walled hollow magnesium profile. A HyperWorks FEM software package was employed to aid in identifying the causes for the wall thickness attenuation. Recommendations were made to adjust the interspacing between the mandrels and the height of the welding chamber. The modified dies yielded much improved results in terms of velocity and hydrostatic pressure uniformity. The wall thickness of the extrudate predicted using FEM simulation was very close to experimental measurements. The case study demonstrated the feasibility of using FEM simulation as a useful tool to solve industrial problems encountered in the production of complex profiles.