In this study, the effects of shearing clearance and shearing angle on stretch-flange formability are investigated. The shearing line used is of the notch type composed of straight and circular arcs. The saddle-type stretch-flange test is adopted for this investigation. The results show that stretch-flange formability is improved in narrow clearances. This tendency is different from that obtained by the hole expansion test, in which stretch-flange formability is improved in large clearances. This improvement might be caused by the increase in the area of the fractured surface in narrow clearances. Generally, the larger the fractured surface, the smaller the work hardening on a sheared edge. In addition, the investigation reveals the existence of an optimum shearing angle for excellent stretch-flange formability. FE simulation shows that the optimum shearing angle increases hydrostatic stress in materials during shearing. Compressive stress across the material thickness is mainly affected by shearing angle. The result of the analysis suggests that the optimum shearing angle increases the area of the fractured surface to improve stretch-flange formability.
