Abstract
The aim of this study is to investigate the fabrication processes on the microstructual changes and mechanical properties of large 7175 aluminum die forgings. The billets range from 370 to 720 mm in diameter were homogenized and hot forged after direct chill casting. The strength and elongation of the homogenized cast billets were revealed nearly same level independent of the billet diameter. However, these properties of ø370 mm cast billet were superior to those of $\Pie720$ mm billet under$ T_{6}$ / condition. The tensile strength of die forged specimens under $T_{6}$ condition increased up to 20% than that of solution treatment, however, the elongation was reduced to 50%. The fracture toughness of die forged specimens under $T_{6}$ condition was 35.6∼39.0 MPa$.$$m^{1}$2 irrespective of the billet size and free forging processes, but this property increased up to 10% by$V_{74}$ treatment. The fracture toughness of die forged specimen manufactured with ø370 mm cast billet showed nearly same level of ø720 mm billet which was processed using MF or Cog free forging followed by die forging.