Method for producing a molded sheet metal part from an as-rolled, non-hardenable aluminum alloy

Abstract

Method for producing an open molded sheet metal part from a non-hardenable aluminum alloy that has the following steps:a) a sheet is prepared that is made of a non-hardenable aluminum alloy, the temper of which is H12, H14, H16, H18, H19, H22, H24, H26, H28, H32, H34, H36 or H38 according to European Standard EN 515:1993 and that in addition to aluminum includes at least magnesium and where necessary manganese;b) the aluminum is heated at least locally to a temperature between 200° C. and 350° C. within a period of 1 to 60 seconds;c) the heated sheet is placed in a cold forming die of a forming press and the sheet is formed, creating a molded sheet metal part.

Description

CLAIM OF PRIORITY[0001]Applicants hereby claim the priority benefits under the provisions of 35 U.S.C. §119, basing said claim of priority on German Patent Application Serial No. 102009008282.4, filed Feb. 10, 2009.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The invention relates to a method for producing a molded sheet metal part from an as-rolled, non-hardenable aluminum alloy.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]Producing highly-stressed vehicle components from aluminum sheet is known. Primarily hardenable alloys are used for this. Normally production consists of pre-forming the low-strength aluminum sheet and then aging it to obtain increased strength.[0004]Forming is the only way to increase the strength of those aluminum alloys in which an increase in hardness cannot be attained using a thermal treatment (natural or artificial aging). In order to be able to produce complex geometries from sheets of these alloys, as well, they are generally shaped in a soft temper, like the hardenable alloys. This...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0007]The underlying object of the invention is therefore to provide an option for producing a high-strength co

Problems solved by technology

It is a disadvantage that the strength of pressed parts that are produced by shaping these soft-annealed, non-hardenable aluminum alloys increases considerably only in areas that have undergone significant shaping.

The result is that there is relatively limited potential in lightweight design for using shaped parts that are made of the inexpensive, non-hardenable aluminum alloys.

However, in the past it has not been possible to produce complex components from these commercially readily available semi-finished products, even though this would be very attractive economically due to the potential weight reduction and savings in materials.