tailored blanks' for automotive components. evaluation of mechanical and metallurgical properties and corrosion resistance of laser-welded joints

摘要

The main aim of this research is to investigate the suitability of 'tailored blanks', fabricated with laser welding technology, prior to forming. It is also a review of their fatigue and corrosion behaviour.During the experiments, laser-welded joints were performed using different steel/thickness combinations, most commonly used in today's automobile industry. Joints were assessed by metallographic examination, as well as by pressing, fatigue and corrosiontests.In order to evaluate the suitability of 'tailored blank' technology on an actual automotive component, a suspension mounting was produced by joining, using both laser and roller resistance welding, two FePO4 bare steel sheets of different thickness (1.5and 2 mm).Fatigue strength of the lighter component has generally produced comparable results to the standard component made in a single thickness (2 mm). This confirms the suitability of 'tailored blank' technology to save body weight and optimise materialutilisation.