Tubular channel angular pressing (TCAP) as a novel severe plastic deformation method for cylindrical tubes

A severe plastic deformation (SPD) technique based on tubular channel angular pressing (TCAP) is proposed suitable for deforming cylindrical tubes to extremely large strains without changing their dimensions. The tube constrained by inner and outer dies is pressed by a hollow cylindrical punch into a tubular angular channel with three shear zones. This technique was applied to a commercial AZ91 magnesium alloy and a significant grain refinement was achieved even after single cycle TCAP. Microhardness of the tube increased to 78 Hv from an initial value of 51 Hv. This new SPD process is promising for future industrial applications. ► TCAP was proposed as a novel severe plastic deformation technique for cylindrical tubes. ► TCAP can refine the grain size of AZ91 alloy to 1.5 micron from initial value of 150 micron through one pass. ► TCAP could increase the hardness to 78 Hv from 51 Hv through one pass.