In the master's thesis, the influence of cold deformation and various annealing temperatures on the mechanical properties of the EN AW-3003 alloy is investigated and presented. The research was conducted on a narrow strip production line at Talum d.d., where, according to prescribed technological parameters of previously cast EN AW-3003 alloy ingots, we recast ingots of the same alloy while altering the reduction levels in the cold rolling mill. Subsequently, soft annealing was performed at three different temperatures. Tensile testing was conducted to obtain values for tensile strength (Rm), yield strength (Rp0.2), and elongation (A50). Hardness was measured using the Brinell HB method, a notch toughness test was performed, and microstructure analysis was carried out. After all the tests, a comparison of all measured mechanical properties and microstructure in the rolled state and after annealing at different temperatures was made. Samples were analyzed under an optical microscope, and the samples' texture tendency was examined under an electron microscope.
The purpose of the master's thesis is to define and determine optimal process parameters based on the obtained data from various tests and analyses, which could be successfully integrated into an industrial production system. In the thesis, we, therefore, examined the influence of different levels of cold deformation and annealing temperatures on the mechanical properties of the EN AW-3003 alloy. The objectives included successful casting of EN AW-3003 alloy ingots, conducting tensile testing, measuring hardness, and performing a notch toughness test to assess anisotropy. In addition to the mentioned mechanical tests, we attempted to enhance the understanding of the impact of process parameters on the EN AW-3003 alloy through optical and electron microscope investigations.
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