Investigation on evolution of microstructure and mechanical properties of heat-treatable 6010-S aluminium alloy during gas-based hot sheet metal forming process

Abstract Modern hot sheet metal forming processes offer the opportunity, especially in automotive sector, to meet current demands for ultra-lightweight design. Due increased formability at high process temperatures, high-strength aluminium alloys are increasingly coming into focus of industry. However, complex thermo-mechanical interactions within these can lead undesirable microstructural changes that could have a negative impact on final mechanical properties. The purpose this work is therefore investigate evolution age-hardenable EN AW 6010-S alloy course modern gas-based and quantify its influence resulting T6 For purpose, two different components were first formed laboratory scale areas interest identified. Metallographic examinations EBSD measurements performed visualize temperature deformation microstructure. EDX analysis helped identify non-metallic phases. In next step, artificial aging was increase Tensile tests hardness showed no properties alloy.