Extension of the performance of aluminium-copper alloys by spray forming

Three binary alloys AlCu10, AlCu17 and AlCu24 billets of 150 mm in diameter and 350 mm to 400 mm in height were spray formed and their density, microstructure and forming performance were investigated. The forming properties were determined by means of plasto-dilatometry. It was found that with higher copper contents the resistance against deformation increases, but sufficient deformation at elevated temperatures is still possible. Microstructural investigations explain the dependence of the deformation resistance upon the degree of dispersion of the Al2Cu-phase.