Dimensional Characteristics of Tailor Rolled Blanks Having Thickness Variations both in Longitudinal and Width Directions

Tailored blanks with different blank thicknesses are semi-finished parts that can be used to produce stamping parts having a real tailor-made solution. This study investigates a manufacturing process that can produce a tailored rolled blanks(TRB) having variable thickness variations both in longitudinal and width directions. The process was experimentally and numerically investigated using three types of the conventional blank and blanks having circular and square holes. To characterize the process, the deformation behaviors of blanks were intensively analyzed. In order to understand the effect of the blank shape on the manufacturing TRB, the strain behaviors was compared by numerical simulation. The results show that the hollow blanks have good formability in the manufacturing of TRB having variable thickness variations both in longitudinal and width directions compared with the conventional blank.