The use of tailor-welded blanks (TWBs) in automotive applications is increasing due to the potential of weight and cost savings. These blanks are manufactured by seam welding two or more sheets of dissimilar gauge, properties, or both, to form a lighter and stiffer blank. This allows engineers to "tailor" the properties of the blank to meet the design requirements of a particular part. TWBs are used in such places as door inner panels, lift gates, and floor pans. Initial applications of TWBs were for steel alloys, but investigating the potential of using aluminum TWBs is also of interest. One of the problems encountered with stamping TWBs is the difference in load bearing capacities of the dissimilar sheets that make up the TWB. This can result in a reduction in the formability of the TWB and possibly a movement of the weld from its design-intend location. This paper presents the results of investigating the use of different material combinations to manipulate this type of preferential straining in the TWB in an effort to minimize the movement of the weld line.
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