Forming behaviour of stainless steel sheets at different material thicknesses

Abstract

The austenitic stainless steel X5CrNiMo17-12-2 in thickness ranging from 0.2 mm to 1.0 mm was examined in regard to the mechanical properties and microstructure. The aim was to investigate the suitability of conventional test methods for thin material down to 0.2 mm. Within these investigations, all used thicknesses were characterized by conventional tensile tests and X-ray diffraction. The results were subsequently compared with each other. The material specific vertical anisotropy r and forming limit curve showed a strong dependence on material thicknesses. The results of anisotropy pointed out different values depending on the test methods performed. In addition, the results of microstructure analysis show a decrease of grain size with lower material thickness caused by the formation of twins and probably heat treatments during the manufacturing process.