Production techniques for the extrusion of thin lockalloy shapes.

TLDR: In this article, a practical and economical production technique for long structural shapes of Lockalloy (38w/o Al and 62w /o Be) was provided, which uses a 'net' precision extrusion through complex shaped dies.

Abstract: : A practical and economical production technique for long structural shapes of Lockalloy (38w/o Al and 62w/o Be) was provided. The technique uses a 'net' precision extrusion through complex shaped dies. The excellent surface quality and dimensional tolerances which were obtained eliminated the need for machining all surfaces of the sections, which was a requirement for most aerospace applications of Lockalloy before this work. Two typical structural shapes were produced, one a 1 in x 2 in x 1/16 in thick T-section and the other an unsymmetrical angle section having one leg 1 in long and 0.180 in thick and another leg 1 in long and 0.125 in thick. Techniques for straightening and detwisting extruded sections were optimized. Applicability of the extruded shapes to aerospace structures was demonstrated by forming T sections to a 10 in bend radius and by offset joggling sections by 3/16 in. Mechanical properties in the longitudinal and transverse directions of Lockalloy shapes were obtained at temperatures of -40F, room temperature, 200F, 400F, 600F, and 800F. These properties were found to be comparable to published data for rolled Lockalloy sheet. (Author)