Abstract
With the rising importance of aluminum sheets for automotive applications, the influence of microstructure and texture on mechanical properties and on forming behavior has gained re-increased interest in recent years. This paper provides an introduction to the topic and demonstrates the evolution of microstructure and texture in the standard alloys EN AW-5182 and EN AW-6016 for different processing scales. Moreover, strategies for texture and microstructure characterization of automotive Al-sheets are discussed. As the development of alloys or processes usually starts in laboratory facilities, the transferability to the industrial scale of the results thereof is studied. A detailed analysis of the entire processing chain shows good conformity of careful laboratory production with the industrial production concerning microstructure as well as qualitative and quantitative texture evolution for EN AW-5182. While comparable grain sizes can be achieved in final annealed sheets of EN AW-6016, quantitative discrepancies in texture occur between the different production scales for some sample states. The results are discussed in light of the basics of plasticity and recrystallisation including the effect of solutes, primary phases, and secondary phases in the alloys.
Highlights
In recent decades, the use of aluminum components has increased, in the automotive industry, as the associated weight reduction leads to a reduction in CO2 emissions and can further promote the use of electromobility
We evaluate the microstructure and texture evolution in the two Al-alloys EN AW-5182 and EN AW-6016 on different processing scales
As the aim of this work was to acquire a sound knowledge of texture and microstructure evolution, samples were examined at different stages of the production process
Summary
The use of aluminum components has increased, in the automotive industry, as the associated weight reduction leads to a reduction in CO2 emissions and can further promote the use of electromobility. In order to meet the increasing demands on safety standards and mechanical properties, a deep understanding of the mechanisms underlying the various application-relevant properties is required [1,2,3,4]. Alloys for automotive body applications often belong to one of the two aluminum classes, 5xxx (AlMg(Mn)) or 6xxx (AlMgSi). The Mg and Mn containing 5xxx Al-alloys fall into the category of non-age-hardenable Al-alloys and show good formability, high strength, corrosion resistance, and weldability. The mechanical properties are controlled by the Mg content and the degree of cold forming.
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