Title: Formability evaluation in hydroforming steel Tailored Welded Blanks

Authors: Sergio Tonini Button, Renato Caldin

Addresses: Department of Materials Engineering, State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Brazil. ' Department of Materials Engineering, State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Brazil

Abstract: The main objective of this work was to evaluate the formability in hydroforming of Tailored Welded Blanks (TWBs) by comparing it with the formability in conventional stamping. Forming Limit Diagrams (FLD) were plotted from tests carried out with the modified Nakazima test, to determine the forming limit of the raw material. The Maximum Front of Deformation (MFD) was also determined for both processes. Results showed that the formability of TWBs is increased in hydroforming when compared to conventional stamping, and therefore it was possible to form products with higher and regular domes, lower reduction of thickness, and without any failure.

Keywords: tailored welded blanks; TWB; hydroforming; formability; deep drawing; forming limit diagrams; FLD; deformation.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMMS.2008.020505

International Journal of Mechatronics and Manufacturing Systems, 2008 Vol.1 No.2/3, pp.195 - 205

Published online: 28 Sep 2008 *

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