Modification of texture in AZ31 magnesium alloy via cold pre-upsetting alternating forward extrusion

• Research that combines cold pre-deformation with alternating forward extrusion processes. • The effects of CDRX and DDRX on texture during extrusion were studied. • The effects of pre-deformation twinning before and after extrusion was studied. Prefabricated twinning represents an effective strategy for optimizing the microstructure of extruded forming components and facilitating changes in texture. The study examines the incorporation of [10–12] twins into an AZ31 magnesium alloy billet via cold pre-upsetting deformation before alternating forward extrusion (CUAFE). The experimental results indicate that the initial presence of [10–12] twins is advantageous for the development of [10–10] and [ [11] , [12] , [13] , [14] , [15] , [16] , [17] , [18] , [19] , [20] ] texture components during the extrusion process. In addition, different DRX mechanisms have different influences on the evolution of basal texture. The CDRX grains tend to preferentially select the [ [11] , [12] , [13] , [14] , [15] , [16] , [17] , [18] , [19] , [20] ] texture orientation, weakening the [10–10] texture and enhancing the [ [11] , [12] , [13] , [14] , [15] , [16] , [17] , [18] , [19] , [20] ] texture. However, most DDRX grains deviate significantly from the orientation of their surrounding original grain and do not have a preferred orientation. This is reflected in the mechanical properties of the CUAFE part. The tensile strength is 323.5 MPa, while the elongation is as high as 20.1%.