FE Simulation of Extrusion Process for Al Multi Cell Tube According to the Changes of the Porthole Shape

Recently, multi cell tube which is used for a cooling system of automobiles is mainly manufactured by the conform extrusion but this method is inferior as compared with direct extrusion in productivity per the unit time and in the equipment investment. Therefore, it is essential for the conversion of direct extrusion with porthole die. The direct extrusion with porthole die can produce multi cell tube which has the competitive power in costs and qualities compared with the existing conform extrusion. This study is designed to evaluate metal flow, welding pressure, extrusion load, tendency of mandrel deflection that is affected by variation of porthole shape in porthole die. Estimation is carried out using finite element method under the non-steady state. Also this study was examined into the cause of mandrel fracture through investigating elastic deformation of mandrel during the extrusion.