Infrared processing of magnesium wrought alloys

High density infrared (HDI) processing of magnesium alloy sheet allows rapid heat up and cool down and may facilitate a continuous cast/roll process, thereby reducing costs. In a previous study, a plasma arc lamp resulted in an anneal in seconds that compared well to a normal 1 h 500°C anneal. The current study on AZ31 used a bank of quartz infrared lamps both in a lab setting and in a demonstration test at a commercial facility (Manufacturing Sciences, Inc.). Typical reheats and anneals between rolling passes required 2 to 5 minutes for rolling 6 mm sheet down to 1 mm. Tensile tests showed comparable results to normal processing. The near surface microstructure was similar to the center of the sheets. No gross progressive or cumulative effect on mechanical properties was observed from pass to pass. Good surface quality with minimal edge cracking was produced.