Characterization of Large Strain Extrusion Machining (LSEM) of AA7050

This work features a characterization of AA7050 strip produced for the first time in a single deformation step via large strain extrusion machining (LSEM), which has emerged as an alternative method to produce AA7050 strip. The resultant LSEM plate or sheet microstructure is promising for applications where SCC and exfoliation cracking resistance are important. LSEM has been shown to produce grains with a lower aspect ratio than conventional hot rolling, which has been linked to SCC resistance. In addition, LSEM grains have a different orientation relative to the strip direction, which may result in an improvement in exfoliation cracking resistance as compared to hot-rolled strip.