Abstract
The welding method for getting the joint performance capable of forming was investigated and the formability tests of the butt welded sheets in aluminium and its alloy were carried out.
Machining and wire-brushing of joints are effective to obtain the joint performance capable of forming. Especially, DCEN TIG welding method is more effective for this purpose when using helium shielding gas and shorter arc length. In the case of Al100P-O, Al100P-1/2H and A5052P-O, the formability of their butt welded sheet was improved up to nearly equal that of base material. But in the case of A5052-1/2H, softening by welding was so great that the formability of welded sheet was changed by width of softened zone.
In the case of severe forming, the formability can be improved by using the welded blank.
