Formability of Twin-Roll Cast Age-Hardenable Mg-Zn Alloys

The suitability of a twin-roll cast (TRC) age-hardenable alloy for wrought applications is explored. A Mg-4Zn (wt.%) alloy, 3mm thick, was cast using the TRC route. Deviating from the traditional practice of homogenization followed by age-hardening in die/sand cast parts, the TRC sheet, cut into small strips, was hot rolled and annealed after homogenization. They were then deep drawn and subsequently age-hardened. The rollability, mechanical properties and microstructure of the alloy at different stages of processing and after forming, are presented and discussed.