Warm Forming the GM V-6 Oil Pan in Aluminum

In order to assess the potential for improving the ductility of aluminum autobody alloys at elevated temperatures, an actual forming operation was carried out on heated production dies. The aluminum alloy was 5182-0 and the die was the GM V-6 oil pan draw die developed for A-K steel. Aluminum parts could only be made at elevated temperatures (e.g. ∼180°C) on the heated die and preheated sheet. From gridded blanks, it was clear that large elongations developed in the sides of the successful pans giving a more favorable strain distribution. In unsuccessful parts wrinkling rapidly developed in the flange area inhibiting movement into the die.