Process design and thermal performance in deep drawing of SiCp/2024Al composite sheet using pulse current heating

The deep drawing of SiC/2024Al composites using pulse current heating were designed and established in this works. The whole process system mainly include pulse current heating system, electrode lifting system, temperature control system and deep drawing forming system. In addition, the feasibility of thermal deep drawing using pulse current heating was experimentally investigated and the optimal process parameters were explored to ensure defect-free products. The temperature of specimen is up to around 673K at a rate of 13.5K/s under the current density of 21.7A/mm(2). The stainless steel inserts make temperature difference reducing by 73.3%. Moreover, the workpiece was successfully deep drawn and exhibited good surface quality. The dimensional accuracy achieved within +/- 0.2mm.