Process selection for the design of Aluminum components

What is it about?

This paper describes a method for selecting aluminum components in the early design stages. We have developed a program combining preliminary process screening with normalized cost analysis. Design compatibility analysis (DCA) ranks each process based on its feasibility with the basic geometry, material, and production requirements. The primary processes considered are extrusion, sheet forming, forging, die casting, and sand casting. The program extends its compatibility and cost analysis to secondary operations such as bending and machining. The program should be useful for engineer training and as a preliminary design tool.

Featured Image

Photo by kevin C on Unsplash

Photo by kevin C on Unsplash

Why is it important?

Aluminum has many advantages in various applications in its manufacturability and recyclability. Yet, engineers trained to design steel components do not take full advantage of this material. The main reason is that engineers tend to be unaware of the many economical processing methods for aluminum.