Improvement of R-value in Al-Mg-Si-Cu Alloy Sheets by Cross Rolling

Heat-treatable Al-Mg-Si-Cu alloy sheets, which are expected to have a growing demand, were fabricated by Cross rolling to improve their formability. The mechanical properties and texture of the sheets after the final annealing process were investigated by a tensile test, EBSD and XRD analysis. The grain size of the cross-rolled sheets was remarkably decreased compared to conventional rolled sheets, and the R-value of the cross-rolled sheets was notably increased by about one and a half times that of the conventional rolled sheet. Cube{001}< 100 > and cubic system orientations were strongly developed in conventional rolled sheets. However, randomized textures were formed in the cross-rolled sheets without specific texture. It is thought that much shear deformation was induced during the cross rolling. The results show that the cross rolling method is effective for improving the R-value of aluminum alloys sheets and their grain refinement. As a result, it is considered that cross rolling is effective for improving formability.