The Experimental Investigation of Punching of the AM60 and AZ61 Magnesium Alloy Sheets by Using Varied Punch Shapes

Abstract

The using of magnesium alloys for industrial sheet metal part production has become increasingly common in recent years. This research aims to characterize the effects of the cutting-edge shapes of the punches on the blanking forces and the sheared edge qualities in the blanking/piercing operations of magnesium alloy sheets. Magnesium sheets (AM60 and AZ61) were produced by casting and rolling processes. AM60 and AZ61 Mg alloys produced by casting were rolled by using two different speeds, 2.5 m/min and 7.5 m/min. Material thickness was adjusted to three mm in the rolling process. Blanking tests were carried out on a die-set and hydraulic press by varying shaped punches. In the experimental studies, flat-ended, concave shaped, and 16° angled punches were used. A loadcell was fixed to the experimental setup to determine the blanking forces. The results showed that the AM60 alloy was more resistant to shearing than the AZ61. The lowest blanking force was obtained by use of the 16° angled punch. It was determined that the using of flat-ended punches for blanking operations was more convenient according to the usage purpose of the parts while all three punches can be used for piercing operations.