Bending and stamping processes of FSWed thin sheets in aluminium alloy

The present investigation aims at studying post-welding forming operations of friction stir welded AA1050 aluminium thin sheets. A preliminary investigation has allowed to define the rotational and welding speed values leading to friction stir welded joints with high mechanical properties. Then, formability and elastic springback were evaluated using the hemispherical punch and bending tests, respectively. A microstructural investigation has allowed to relate the mechanical properties of joints to microstructure. Finally, the friction stir welded assemblies were subjected to air bending and stamping experiments in order to evaluate their attitude to undergo to sheet metal forming operations.