Recent Developments in AA6016 Aluminium Type Body Sheet Product

This paper will summarise the results of a development programme to optimise the overall performance of AA6016 aluminium type body sheet product with special emphasis on hemming and surface texture.

Hemming - The main problem associated with the hemming of aluminium sheet is crack formation on the hemmed radius. This programme has resulted in improved hemming properties: a flat hem joint is now possible in 1.2 mm AA6016 with 10% pre-strain.

EBT-type of surface structure - EBT (Electron Beam Texture) surface structure consists of a regular pattern of isolated pockets in contrast with the well known random structure EDT (Electron Discharge Texture) and the highly directional structure MF (Mill-Finished). Compared with EDT and MF the EBT surface structure of aluminium gives improved forming behaviour and better paint appearance.