Preliminary studies on the suitability of rheocast Al alloys for deep drawing

This work analyses comparatively the behaviour of AlMg 5052 alloy sheets, i n rolled and rheocast conditions, in deep drawing operations. Tensile tests and Erichsen cupping tests were performed to evaluate deformation behaviou r in the two types of structures. Results showed higher deformation at lowe r required forces for rheocast material. Tensile test showed %EL four times higher, YS three times smaller and UTS two times smaller in the rheocast s heets compared to the rolled condition. Erichsen tests showed failure of rh eocast at F-max 24% smaller and total displacement 38% higher than rolled s heets. Fracture analysis showed distinct patterns, coalescence of dimples l eading to fracture in rolled material, intergranular crack in rheocast. To produce the same degree of deformation, rheocast material requires 50% of t he force required for rolled sheet. General results shows therefore, in ter ms of processing, that rheocast material can be an interesting raw material for deep drawing operations, meaning significant energy savings and formab ility improvement. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.