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The bending properties of high strength precipitation-hardening AA6016-type Al alloy thin sheets in pre-aged T4P temper state were studied in this work. Microstructural features like grain boundary particles distribution and volume fraction of the matrix strengthening phases were considered as factors controlling the mechanical properties and the fracture of this grade. Remarkable decrease in ductility, accompanied by severe deterioration of bendability occurred when coarse precipitates were found into the grain boundaries. The in-situ fracture sequence investigations as well as the post-failure surfaces observations indicated that grain boundary ductile fracture mechanisms were involved in the propagation of the cracks during bending. Heat treatment simulations were carried out and the results showed that the precise control of the technological parameters during production of these sheets is the key factor responsible for obtaining an appropriate combination of strength and bendability. Only by providing both, homogeneous distribution of the matrix strengthening phases and a favourable grain boundary structure, the severe and often contradictory requirements for the functional properties of these alloys can be successfully satisfied.

The use of Al-Mg-Si-(Cu) heat treatable 6xxx alloys is steadily increasing in the automotive industry. The possibility of weight reduction of the cars in combination with the good formability and high in-service dent resistance of these alloys, make them a favorable material for body panel applications. One of the most common, environment-friendly and easy to perform processes used to join aluminum sheets, is the hemming joining operation. This operation heavily relies on the bendability of the sheets, because they are bent to an angle of 180° over of a radius equal to their thickness. Tearing or cracking of the outer bent surface are often very common. In this study we attempt to understand the relations between the microstructural features of the sheets and their hemming behavior. The hemming experiments are performed in laboratory conditions and the results are discussed together with the data obtained from crystallographic, microstructural and textural investigations. Relations between the hemming appearance, chemical composition, natural aging time and dispersoid’s density are found and discussed.