Warm sheet metal forming of energy-absorbing elements made 7075 aluminum alloy in the hardened state T6

Abstract The article covers experimental research on the forming of products made 7075 aluminum alloy. This alloy grade is characterized by high strength, but due to its low formability in T6 temper, use stamping processes complex structural elements limited. authors have manufactured a U-shaped element at an elevated temperature and determined optimal parameters process. Conventional heating sheet shaping it 100 150 °C allowed obtain product strength similar state, above 540 MPa. Due excessive springback during forming, these were large deviation shape geometry, exceeding allowable values + / − 1 mm. Only alternative method temperatures 200 240 (between plates 350 °C, time 2 min, rate 1.8 °C/s) that meets both geometric requirements. process’ later transferred process more (lower part B-pillar). was heated up formed previously pre-heated tools. In subsequent series tests, blank’s being analyzed. case foot B-pillar, necessary lower initial blank (heating furnace with 340 speed 0.5 °C/s). appropriate combination resulted satisfactory reaching product’s comparable material as-delivered temper. Using electron microscopy, verified structure finished contained particles MgZn strongly strengthen obtained results complement data possibility using produce energy-absorbing motor vehicles.