Advanced Metallic Materials and Forming Technologies

A special issue of Metals (ISSN 2075-4701). This special issue belongs to the section "Metal Casting, Forming and Heat Treatment".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 July 2026 | Viewed by 1978

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
School of Materials Science and Engineering, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin 300401, China
Interests: nanoporous energy materials, high-performance metallic materials and forming technologies
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

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Guest Editor
State Key Laboratory of Advanced Processing and Recycling of Nonferrous Metals, Lanzhou University of Technology, Lanzhou 730050, China
Interests: forming process control technologies and mechanisms of magnesium alloys; aluminum alloys; superalloys
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Advanced metallic materials and forming technologies are the cornerstones of innovation in high-performance sectors such as aerospace, automotive, and next-generation energy systems. The continuous development of new alloys and forming methods is pivotal to achieving superior properties, complex geometries, and enhanced sustainability in manufacturing. This Special Issue, “Advanced Metallic Materials and Forming Technologies”, is dedicated to presenting cutting-edge research on the interplay between novel material design, advanced forming processes, microstructure evolution, and final performance. By disseminating significant scientific discoveries and engineering applications, we aim to foster new insights and provide practical solutions that drive progress in both academia and industry.

This Special Issue aligns with the scope of Metals by exploring the latest innovations in the field. We seek contributions that investigate fundamental mechanisms, report on experimental breakthroughs, and advance computational modeling. In this Special Issue, original research articles and reviews are welcome. Research areas may include (but are not limited to) the following:

  • Novel steel and iron materials;
  • Lightweight aluminum and magnesium alloys;
  • Design and development of advanced metallic alloys;
  • Advanced forming technologies;
  • Microstructure and property control;
  • Sustainable, green, and energy-efficient manufacturing routes;
  • Intelligent process control for defect mitigation;
  • Multi-scale modeling and simulation.

We look forward to receiving your contributions.

Prof. Dr. Zhifeng Wang
Dr. Shuaiju Meng
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Metals is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • metallic materials
  • steel and iron materials
  • light metals
  • high-entropy alloys
  • advanced forming technologies
  • heat treatment
  • additive manufacturing
  • microstructure and mechanical properties
  • modeling and simulation
  • corrosion resistance and biodegradability

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Published Papers (3 papers)

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Research

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13 pages, 4034 KB  
Article
Low-Alloy Ultra-High Strength Cast Steels Prepared by a Quenching–Partitioning–Tempering Treatment
by Xueyi Fan, Yu Chen, Yihe Tian, Shiquan Du and Zhifeng Wang
Metals 2026, 16(3), 289; https://doi.org/10.3390/met16030289 - 4 Mar 2026
Viewed by 535
Abstract
To synergistically enhance the strength and toughness of low-alloy cast steels, a quenching–partitioning–tempering (Q-P-T) heat treatment process was specifically performed based on the “Constrained Carbon Equilibrium” thermodynamic model. The effects of partitioning temperature on microstructure and mechanical properties were examined. The Q-P(210)-T approach [...] Read more.
To synergistically enhance the strength and toughness of low-alloy cast steels, a quenching–partitioning–tempering (Q-P-T) heat treatment process was specifically performed based on the “Constrained Carbon Equilibrium” thermodynamic model. The effects of partitioning temperature on microstructure and mechanical properties were examined. The Q-P(210)-T approach successfully produced an ultra-high strength cast steel (48SiNiMnCrMoAl6-4-4-3-8-14) with a tensile strength exceeding 2000 MPa and an elongation greater than 19.0%. The microstructure of this cast steel consists of tempered martensite (TM), bainite, ferrite, and retained austenite (RA). During tensile deformation, dislocations from adjacent martensite are absorbed by the film-like RA, thereby alleviating stress concentration induced by dislocations. Meanwhile, the transformation-induced plasticity (TRIP) effect of the RA significantly enhances the toughness of the cast steel. Furthermore, the ultra-high strength of the cast steel is jointly ensured by the fine crystalline strengthening of the martensite and the precipitation strengthening of the transitional carbides in the microstructure of the cast steel. This work provides a good reference for the development of high-performance cast steels. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Metallic Materials and Forming Technologies)
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13 pages, 3618 KB  
Article
Effect of Process Parameters on the Forming Limit Angle of AA2024 Aluminum Alloy in Belt-Heated Incremental Sheet Forming
by Zhengyuan Gao, Zhibing Li, Zhengfang Li, Zhiguo An, Pengfei Sun, Zhong Ren, Jiang Li, Yi Zhang, Han Lin and Zhengyang Qiao
Metals 2026, 16(2), 229; https://doi.org/10.3390/met16020229 - 16 Feb 2026
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Abstract
In the belt-heated incremental sheet forming process, the influence of process parameters on the forming limit angle significantly affects the forming accuracy and quality of components. Through macro and micro experiments, this study comprehensively analyzed the effect of key process parameters on the [...] Read more.
In the belt-heated incremental sheet forming process, the influence of process parameters on the forming limit angle significantly affects the forming accuracy and quality of components. Through macro and micro experiments, this study comprehensively analyzed the effect of key process parameters on the forming limit angle and identified forming temperature, tool head diameter, and step down as the primary factors that enhance the forming limit angle. Building on this, the dislocation density and grain size of the material under various forming temperatures, tool head diameters, and step-down values were investigated, clarifying the influence of these parameters on dislocation density and grain size in belt-heated incremental sheet forming. Furthermore, the dislocation density and grain size in the cross-section of the deformed region were calculated through micro-tests, revealing the variation patterns of dislocation density and grain size under different process conditions. These findings verified the macro–micro mechanism of the effect of process parameters on the forming limit angle and led to the establishment of a control method for the forming limit angle in belt-heated incremental sheet forming. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Metallic Materials and Forming Technologies)
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Review

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47 pages, 6646 KB  
Review
Heat-Assisted Metal Spinning: Review
by Sergio Elizalde, Mohammad Jahazi and Henri Champliaud
Metals 2026, 16(5), 483; https://doi.org/10.3390/met16050483 - 29 Apr 2026
Viewed by 532
Abstract
Heat-assisted metal spinning comprises incremental forming routes, conventional spinning, shear spinning and flow forming, performed at elevated temperature to increase formability. This review consolidates the main advances of the last fifteen years. It outlines spinning mechanics and the rationale for heating (higher ductility, [...] Read more.
Heat-assisted metal spinning comprises incremental forming routes, conventional spinning, shear spinning and flow forming, performed at elevated temperature to increase formability. This review consolidates the main advances of the last fifteen years. It outlines spinning mechanics and the rationale for heating (higher ductility, lower forming forces and microstructure control), then compares global and local heating strategies (furnace, flame, induction, laser and hot-gas convection) in terms of temperature uniformity, industrial practicality, energy efficiency and cost. Key process parameters (spindle speed, feed rate and thickness reduction) are discussed with respect to defect formation, and representative windows for defect mitigation are reported. Progress in modeling is reviewed, including coupled thermo-mechanical finite element simulations, damage/formability prediction and emerging data-driven optimization. The review also summarizes microstructural evolution under heat-assisted conditions, phase transformation, dynamic recrystallisation and grain growth, and its impact on final properties. Across more than 100 studies, evidence shows that robust thermal management can roughly double achievable deformation before failure and enables property tailoring in difficult-to-form alloys (Ni-based alloys, high-strength steels, Al, Mg and Ti). Remaining challenges include reliable in situ temperature measurement/control and improved predictive fidelity of simulations. Future opportunities include digital twins, real-time sensing and adaptive, machine-learning-assisted control. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Metallic Materials and Forming Technologies)
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