Metal–polymer–metal sandwiches with local metal reinforcements: A study on formability by deep drawing and bending

The formability of metal–polymer–metal sandwich composites with embedded different solid and mesh steel inlays was investigated with the aim to gain information about their forming behaviour by shaping, especially deep drawing and bending. Therefore the geometry and the size of the local inlays have been varied. The reduction in thickness of these composites was quantified by photogrammetry. As a result the formability of sandwich composites with solid steel inlays is lower compared to non-reinforced ones. Sandwiches with mesh inlays showed a slightly increased thinning compared to sandwiches with circular solid inlays. Both variations revealed good formability. The results will be used for future tailoring of sandwich structures with particularly demanded properties.

► Metal–polymer–metal sheets for automotive application with embedded solid and mesh steel inlays.
► Formability tested by using deep drawing and bending processes.
► Local reinforcement leads to earlier failure in the non-reinforced areas.
► Mesh inlays show increased thinning compared to solid ones.