Experimental study on bending behaviour of aluminium-copper clad sheets in V-bending process

The bimetallic sheets are used in the industrial sheet metal products to meet the demands of multi-functionality. The bending behaviour of bimetallic sheet is contributed by individual layers of the sheet and it is entirely different from the monolithic material. In this study, V-bending experiments are carried out to understand the springback, bend force and thickness change of Al-Cu clad sheets. The effect of different parameters such as sheet thickness, sheet setting condition, die angle, die opening and punch radius have been investigated. The results indicated that springback is more for smaller die angle, wider die opening and larger punch radius. Increase in die angle, increase in die opening or decrease in punch radius decreases the bend force. The clad sheet thickens at Al/Cu setting condition whereas it thins at Cu/Al setting condition. This thinning or thickening of the sheet influences the springback and bend force.