Page 6 - Motor Fan illustrated Special Edition

ALUMINUM MATERIAL
01 Aluminum alloy sheet
Aluminum alloys used in automobiles : 1

Aluminum alloy sheet features superior formability and strength

6000 series aluminum alloy sheet for body panels

Producing body panels from aluminum alloy sheet is a highly effective Change in proof stress from during forming
way to reduce weight and enhance fuel efficiency. to after coating
Currently, 6000 series aluminum alloy sheets are the type most commonly 6000 series sheets are strengthened more
used in body panels, and since they have “bake-hardenability,” they can than 5000 series sheets.
be strengthened during the coat baking process.
The 6000 series aluminum alloy sheets are characterized by low strength When shipped
during the molding process, making them highly workable, but the coat After 2% pre-straining
baking process makes them substantially stronger. After 2% pre-straining
20 min. at170°C

Bake-hardenability
Proof stress

Formability
Motor Fan illustrated
Required
properties of Hemmability 6000 series 5000 series 5000 series 5000 series
automobile Dent resistance
body sheet Change in proof stress of body sheets
Corrosion resistance
High-luster paint finish
Ordinary body sheet

Bonnet of Toyota Prius

Both the interior and exterior structures are made from 6000 series
ALUMINUM AUTOMOBILE TECHNOLOGY
aluminum alloy sheet. High-hemmability sheet

06
Hemming
Since aluminum alloy sheet is less elongate than steel sheet,
it cracks easily during hemming. This means that flat hemming involving
bending by 180 degrees has previously been difficult to achieve. However,
UACJ Corporation has created an aluminum alloy sheet that can be
subjected to Sharp Hemming, a process that is even more problematic than
flat hemming.

5000 series aluminum alloy sheets for body panels

5000 series aluminum alloy sheets are the strongest of the
non-heat-treatable alloys and also have excellent press formability.
Through finding the right amount of magnesium to add, and through
nanostructure design control, UACJ Corporation has created
aluminum alloy sheet that has formability similar to that of steel sheet.