Integrated lubrication and quenching using a volatile medium and additive manufactured die in hot stamping of precipitation hardening aluminum alloy

Abstract

To achieve lubrication and quenching during hot stamping of aluminum alloys (AAs), a combination of volatile medium (liquid CO2) and additive manufactured (AMed) die is suggested. The liquid CO2 as a lubricant and coolant is directly applied to the heated AA blank through the AMed die with confusor microholes. While the continuously supplied liquid CO2 reduces the friction between the heated AA blank and AMed die, the cooling rate of the liquid CO2 successfully induces the status of solid solution treatment in the formed blank for a following artificial aging process.