DETERMINATION OF TAILOR WELDED BLANKS FORMABILITY CHARACTERISTICS

Abstract

The paper shows the experimental results of researches of tailor welded blanks formability obtained by laser welding of sheet metals of different thicknesses (0,8 mm and 1,5 mm) of the same material (high strength steel with BH effect) and of the same surface condition (galvanic zinc coated). Investigation by tension of series of specimens with laser weld placed transverse in relation to longitudinal specimen axis was applied. The following formability properties were defined: main mechanical properties, flow curves, r-value and n-value. Analysis of forming process of each sheet metal separately and welded assembley was performed. The conclusions indicate the specific influence of non-homogeneity caused by different thicknesses and welded zone and indicate the subsequent investigations with longitudinal and angled positions of welded line in relation to the direction of force action.