Structure optimization of porthole die based on aluminum profile extrusion process numerical simulation

Porthole die extrusion method is used to produce hollow aluminum profile. Due to the complexity of the porthole die structure and the material flow, it is very difficult to get ideal profile products with the firstly designed die structure. Finite volume numerical simulation was used to analyze the extrusion process of a hollow profile with porthole die and the problem of non-uniform material flow was found. Optimization was made to the originally designed die to solve the problem. Lower load, reasonable seaming location and even extruded forepart with uniform material flow in the optimized die extrusion were obtained. Guidelines to porthole die design were given and it is also concluded that finite volume method with Eulerian description avoids mesh regeneration and is suitable to numerical simulation of severe deformation processes, such as profile extrusion.