Aluminium sheet metal forming at low temperatures

Abstract

Low-temperature forming technology offers a new potential for forming operations of aluminium wrought alloys which show a limited formability at ambient temperatures. This paper indicates the mechanical behaviour of the commercial aluminium alloys EN AW-5182 and EN AW-6016 at low temperatures. Stress-strain relationships at different temperatures were investigated through tensile testing experiments. Flow curves were extrapolated using an adapted mathematical constitutive relationship of flow stress and strain. A device which allows cupping tests at sub-zero temperatures was specially designed and a limiting dome height was determined.