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In this paper a novel process sequence consisting of local induction heating followed by deep drawing of a precipitation hardenable aluminum alloy is presented and compared with conventional processing. Using an induction heating system, it is possible to change the mechanical properties of the 6xxx-series in a restricted area by influencing the precipitation structure. Hardness measurements and tensile tests characterize the conversion from the stable naturally aged condition T4 to reversible solution heat-treated conditions of AA6016 as function of temperature and time. This effect leads to a reduction of flow stress, which is used to design an initial material property distribution adapted for the subsequent deep drawing process. A process characterization study provides detailed information concerning induction heating parameters, to improve the deep drawing of cylindrical cups, which results in a decisive increase of the limiting drawing ratio.

Distortion after welding is one of the problems arising during the manufacturing especially of visible parts for car body shells. The straightening work has to be minimized in order minimize production times. A system is presented which may be used for cutting, welding and straightening of car body shell parts by application of a laser beam. Some aspects of distortion after laser beam welding are highlighted. Distortion decreases with increasing welding speed. The process of laser beam bending, e. g. bending with thermal induced stresses, is presented. It is shown that the process can be sufficientl controlled. Influence parameters on the working result are discussed. It is concluded that straightening by laser beam bending should be possible in an automated system. In addition, the results show that there are the same parameters which control the distortion after welding and the bending angle after laser beam bending.