Microstructural Evolution and Mechanical Properties of 6082 Aluminum Alloy Automotive Rear Swing Arm Produced by Integrated Process

In this study, an efficient integrated forging process combines solid solution heat treatment and preheating to manufacture the 6082 aluminum alloy automotive rear swing arm. Compared to conventional forging processes, the procedure for solid solution heat treatment is eliminated after forging improving efficiency and reducing energy consumption. The finite element method is employed to investigate the rear swing arm forging forming process under the integrated process. The mechanical properties are assessed by tensile and stiffness tests. The microstructure evolution is revealed by electron backscatter diffraction and transmission electron microscopy. Although no solution heat treatment is carried out after forming, the strength of the comprehensive mechanical properties of the rear swing arm is satisfactory. A 16.1% improvement in yield strength is observed compared to the conventional process. The average grain sizes on the surface and inside the extensive deformation arm groove area are 53 μm and 47 μm, respectively, resulting in a uniform internal and external microstructure. The results validate the feasibility of the integrated forging process for automotive aluminum chassis, demonstrating its suitability for industrial production and promotion.