Development of wear resistant extrusion dies

Dies used for the production of aluminium extrusions are subjected to varying degrees of mechanical and chemical degradation. Dies themselves are costly and time consuming to produce, hence from the perspective of the user it is desirable for them to have a significant lifespan. A review of literature suggests that a significant factor in improving the mechanical properties of a die is through the use of various heat treatments, in conjunction with several surface hardening techniques. Here we examine the effectiveness of this through various case studies as well as experimental results, all of which will be performed on dies that have been subjected to the extrusion process previously. The importance of some form of surface coating that can be re-applied over the life of the die will be looked at. It is through the examination of this that we will highlight how future advances in creating longer lasting dies will come from the development of technologies that allow for constant and accurate measurement of this protective surface treatment.