Cryogenic forming behaviour of AW-6016-T4 sheet

The objective of this work is to study the cryogenic sheet metal forming behaviour of precipitation hardening AW-6016-T4. In this regard, the flow curves and forming limit curves were obtained by tension and Nakazima experimental testing methods in the temperature ranges from −196 to 25 °C. It was found that strength and elongation increase with decreasing temperature. Small but perceived differences between microstructure of the material deformed at the room and cryogenic temperatures respectively were identified by electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) analysis. However, no significant difference in the precipitation kinetics during continuous heating in the DSC has been observed. This study has demonstrated the potential of cryogenic forming by manufacturing a B-pillar part with 8 mm depth of side design element as compared to 6 mm at room temperature.