In order to optimize stamping process

the effect of tensile deformation on recrystallization

precipitation behavior

bake hardenability and fracture mechanisms of a cold-rolled AA6016 sheet with T4P state were investigated. The alloy was solution heat treated in new heating treatment equipment

similar to air-cushion furnace production line

and then pre-aged immediately. After that the sheet was placed at room temperature in order to achieve T4P state. The local stamping process was simulated by uniaxial tensile. Recrystallization

fracture and dislocations were observed by optical microscopy

scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy respectively. Combined with differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and tensile tests

precipitation behavior and mechanical property were characterized. The results indicated that local grains were elongated with the increasing of the deformation. GP zones were suppressed

and strengthening phase precipitation was promoted by deformation. Bake hardenability decreased with the increasing of the deformation. The fracture mechanisms were plastic fracture before and after bake hardening with small deformation. While the alloy tended to cleavage fracture before bake hardening

and the trend of cleavage fracture weakened after bake hardening with large deformation.