Influence of Cutting Processes on Edge Cracking Sensitivity of Bright Finishing Alloys

Abstract

The economic application of various cutting processes in product development can lead to significant forming problems when changing from prototypes to serial parts. Every cutting process causes characteristic effects on the resulting edge and consequently specific edge cracking sensitivities. For exterior trim components of premium car models various bright finishing alloys are used but were not yet focus of scientific research. Within this study influences of laser beam cutting and machining on the edge cracking sensitivity of the alloys Al99.7Mg0.8Cu and EN AW-5505 are analyzed by executing hole expanding tests according to ISO 16630 enhanced with an offline evaluation method. To assess possible impacts on the resulting hole expansion ratios material and edge characterizations are conducted. Generated knowledge can support reducing forming problems occurring while changing from prototypes to serial parts.