An analysis of the literature concerning the methods of surface treatment of aluminum alloys has been performed. Based on the literature and on earlier initial investigation (hardness measurements, microscopic inspection, roughness measurements, tribological tests and scanning microscope inspection of AlSi6Cu4 and 6082 (PA4) alloy samples exposed to laser, it has been determined that the hardness of the AlSi6Cu4 alloy has increased from the level of 60–80 HV 0.1 to the level of 120HV 0.5 due to laser treatment, while heat treatment dispersion hardening has resulted in further increase of the hardness of the laser treated zones up to the level of 160 HV. The even structure obtained allows us to propose such technology for increasing hardness and wear resistance of those alloys. In the 6082 alloy, containing less alloy elements, the hardness increase is smaller reaching the level of 120 HV 0.5. This is related to obtaining zones with dispersion secretions. The suggested laser treatment parameters, 400 W and 530 W with the traverse velocity of 2.8 to 5.33 mm/s do not cause significant increase of roughness, due to which such surface does not require further machining. The results of initial tribological investigation are very promising and they allow us to expect that the technology of structure comminution by laser treatment will allow for improving the life time of products with laser treated surface

This paper presents research results in the field of industrial die forging, mostly related to the use of advanced measuring techniques and tools, numerical simulations, and other IT tools and methods for a geometrical analysis of the forged items as well as detection of forging flaws and their prevention, and optimization of the hot-forging processes. The results of the conducted investigations were divided into three main areas. The first area refers to the application of, e.g., optical scanners and programs related to their operation, data analysis, including the construction of virtual gauges, measurements of selected geometrical features of both the manufactured forgings and their physical and virtual models, as well as an analysis of the durability of the forging tools based on the proprietary reverse scanning method. The second area presents the results of measurements and analyses performed with the use of finite element modeling and by means of some special functions in the calculation packages, such as contact, flow lines, trap, or fold, for the detection of forging defects and an analysis of the force parameters. In turn, the third area presents a combination of different methods of measurement and analysis, both FEM and scanning, as well as other IT methods (physical modeling, image analysis, etc.) for the analysis of the geometry and defects of the forgings. The presented results point to the great potential of these types of tools and techniques in forging industry applications as they significantly shorten the time and increase the accuracy of the measurement, as well as providing a lot of valuable information, physical variables, and technological parameters that are difficult or impossible to determine either analytically or through experimental means. The use and development of these techniques and methods are fully justified, both in the aspect of science and the increased effectiveness and efficiency of production.

The paper presents an analysis of the results of numerical tests of the extrusion process of structural panels made of the 5xxx and 6xxx series aluminium alloys in a designed split die. The obtained products are intended for innovative superstructures of special car bodies. The main purpose of the research was the designed split die and numerical simulations and analysis of test results to determine the parameters of the extrusion process. The distribution of stress intensity, strain, strain rate, and temperature in the extruded metal was analysed for two different speeds of the punch movement. On the basis of the analysis of the distribution of stress values occurring in the extrusion process, the conditions enabling the real process of extrusion of the panel profile in industrial conditions in the designed split die were determined. It was shown that panel sections can be produced from ingots with a length of 770 mm on a press with a pressure of 35 MN (12”).

The paper presents the results of the study aimed at determination of plasticity of hard-deformed aluminium alloy grade 5019 in terms of parameters characteristic for the process of extrusion. The examinations were carried out in hot torsion test. Using the developed mathematical model of the analyzed alloy the mathematical modelling of torsion test was also performed.