Finite element simulation of deep drawing of tailored heat treated blanks

Using a laser system for local heat treatment, it is possible to adjust the mechanical properties of aluminum blanks in a restricted area by influencing the precipitation structure to manufacture so called Tailored Heat Treated Blanks (THTB). These blanks are characterized by a distribution of the mechanical properties adapted particularly for the forming conditions during deep drawing. This paper presents a finite element (FE) based procedure to determine adequate laser parameters for the heat treatment process to enhance the forming limits. Both FE and experimental results show the improved process compared to the conventional drawing of homogeneous aluminum blanks.