Improved formability of Mg–3Al–1Zn alloy by pre-stretching and annealing

Pre-stretching and annealing treatment was carried out to modify the microstructure of Mg–3Al–1Zn (AZ31) alloy to enhance its formability. The pre-stretched and annealed specimens exhibited lower basal texture intensities and coarser grain sizes and their Erichsen values were increased up to 65% compared with the as-received sheet. The microstructure, macrotexture, mechanical properties and formability of specimens before and after pre-stretching followed by annealing were characterized and compared.