New design of the forming equipment DRECE for obtaining UFG structure in strip of sheet

Purpose: of this paper is realisation of engineering design and manufacture of new type of equipment DRECE (Dual Rolling Equal Channel Extrusion), designated for obtaining UFG structure in strip of sheet. Design/methodology/approach: The equipment enables refinement of grain in strip of sheet by extrusion technology without change of cross-section. Special attention is paid to the design of the forming tool in order to prevent upsetting of sheet or its undulation during the forming process. Findings: From the viewpoint of design rate of extrusion has been optimised, range of pressure on pressure rolls has been determined, type of lubricant was optimised. Research limitations/implications: In contradiction to classical ECAP process only “A” and “C” type passes can be used. Due to this no shear planes are created in several grid systems and resulting efficiency of SPD process is therefore lower. It is, however, much higher than at rolling process. Practical implications: This equipment can be successfully used in pilot plant and afterwards in industrial practice. The first verification trials have confirmed functionality of this equipment. Originality/value: Development and manufacture of the DRECE equipment were realised at the Technical University of Mining and Metallurgy in Ostrava (VSB-TU Ostrava) in collaboration with designing and manufacturing company. Very realistic pre-requisite exists for obtaining UFG structure in strip of sheet made of non-ferrous metals and their alloys. The development was realised within the frame of the project MPO No. 2A-1TP1/124.