CA2324795C - Inserted laser welded blanks - Google Patents
Inserted laser welded blanks Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2324795C CA2324795C CA 2324795 CA2324795A CA2324795C CA 2324795 C CA2324795 C CA 2324795C CA 2324795 CA2324795 CA 2324795 CA 2324795 A CA2324795 A CA 2324795A CA 2324795 C CA2324795 C CA 2324795C
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- constituent part
- embossment
- aperture
- flange
- constituent
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Lifetime
Links
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B23—MACHINE TOOLS; METAL-WORKING NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B23K—SOLDERING OR UNSOLDERING; WELDING; CLADDING OR PLATING BY SOLDERING OR WELDING; CUTTING BY APPLYING HEAT LOCALLY, e.g. FLAME CUTTING; WORKING BY LASER BEAM
- B23K26/00—Working by laser beam, e.g. welding, cutting or boring
- B23K26/20—Bonding
- B23K26/21—Bonding by welding
- B23K26/24—Seam welding
- B23K26/244—Overlap seam welding
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B23—MACHINE TOOLS; METAL-WORKING NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B23K—SOLDERING OR UNSOLDERING; WELDING; CLADDING OR PLATING BY SOLDERING OR WELDING; CUTTING BY APPLYING HEAT LOCALLY, e.g. FLAME CUTTING; WORKING BY LASER BEAM
- B23K2101/00—Articles made by soldering, welding or cutting
- B23K2101/18—Sheet panels
- B23K2101/185—Tailored blanks
Landscapes
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Optics & Photonics (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Plasma & Fusion (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Laser Beam Processing (AREA)
- Automobile Manufacture Line, Endless Track Vehicle, Trailer (AREA)
- Butt Welding And Welding Of Specific Article (AREA)
Abstract
A method of creating a tailored blank assembly, the assembly comprising a first blank having an aperture and a second blank having an embossment. The first and second blanks being positioned in a face to face relation and the configuration of the embossment being complementary to and nested within the aperture. The first and second blanks are welded together about the embossment to join the first and second blanks.
Description
. . *
INSERTED LASER WELDED BLANKS
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a method of producing tailored blanks that are to undergo further manufacturing processes to produce shaped metal parts.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Traditionally, metal blanks are produced and sold in standard gauges and are used in subsequent forming operations to produce a 3-dimensional component, for example as part of a vehicle body. The gauge selected for a particular application is based on the maximum load that will be applied at any point on the blank. For example, a door panel has higher loads at the hinge and rail mounting areas and thus requires relatively thicker gauge material. Areas away from these areas are thicker than local strength requirements dictate, which results in excess material, and therefore excess weight.
Tailor welded blanks attempt to reduce vehicle weight by placing thicker gauges of material in areas where higher strength is required. The blanks are provided by abutting a pair of different gauge blanks and then welding along their common edges.
Butt-welding relies on the precision shearing of the edges to be welded. This process can be time consuming and can produce a large amount of scrap material. PCT
International Publication no. WO 98/31485 describes a method for tailor welding blanks.
Additionally, traditional tailor welded blanks have a step at the seam where the material thickness increases. This step can hinder material flow during forming and can cause problems during the hemming process.
It is desirable to produce a tailor welded blank that obviates and mitigates the above disadvantages and further optimizes the use of materials in order to decrease overall weight of the finished component.
SUM1vIARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with the present invention there is provided a method for creating a tailored blank assembly in which thicker material is placed at locations where there are higher strength requirements.
According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of joining two blanks comprising the steps of: providing a first blank of sheet material having a first thickness and an aperture formed in said sheet material; providing a second blank of sheet material having an embossment to offset a portion of one face of said material. The embossment having a configuration that is a complementary fit to the aperture;
positioning the first blank in a face to face relation with the second blank nesting the embossment within the aperture; and laser welding about the embossment to join the first blank to the second blank.
Preferably, the first and second blanks are of different thickness.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DR.AWINGS
Figure 1 is an isometric view of a tailored blank using the method of the present invention;
Figure 2 is a side cross-sectional view of the tailored blank of Figure 1; and Figure 3 is an isometric view of the tailored blank of Figure 1 shown from the opposite side.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
A welded tailored blank assembly 10 of the present invention is shown in Figure 1. The assembly 10 comprises a first blank 12 and a second blank 14. Each blank 12, 14 is a weldable sheet metal and has oppositely directed surfaces 13 a,b, 15 a,b, respectively.
The blanks 12, 14 are joined together along a weld seam 16. Each blank 12, 14 is generally planar, having a rectangular outline. Typically, one blank, preferably 12, is thinner than the other, preferably blank 14.
The first blank 12 has an aperture 18 extending between the surfaces 13a, 13b.
Aperture 18 is shown as rectangular, however, it is readily understood that aperture 18 can be any shape. The aperture 18 is formed in the blank 12 by any known method, for example, cutting or punching.
A second blank 14 is provided with an embossment 20 and a peripheral flange 30 as seen in figure 2. The embossment 20 may be formed by any known method.
INSERTED LASER WELDED BLANKS
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a method of producing tailored blanks that are to undergo further manufacturing processes to produce shaped metal parts.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Traditionally, metal blanks are produced and sold in standard gauges and are used in subsequent forming operations to produce a 3-dimensional component, for example as part of a vehicle body. The gauge selected for a particular application is based on the maximum load that will be applied at any point on the blank. For example, a door panel has higher loads at the hinge and rail mounting areas and thus requires relatively thicker gauge material. Areas away from these areas are thicker than local strength requirements dictate, which results in excess material, and therefore excess weight.
Tailor welded blanks attempt to reduce vehicle weight by placing thicker gauges of material in areas where higher strength is required. The blanks are provided by abutting a pair of different gauge blanks and then welding along their common edges.
Butt-welding relies on the precision shearing of the edges to be welded. This process can be time consuming and can produce a large amount of scrap material. PCT
International Publication no. WO 98/31485 describes a method for tailor welding blanks.
Additionally, traditional tailor welded blanks have a step at the seam where the material thickness increases. This step can hinder material flow during forming and can cause problems during the hemming process.
It is desirable to produce a tailor welded blank that obviates and mitigates the above disadvantages and further optimizes the use of materials in order to decrease overall weight of the finished component.
SUM1vIARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with the present invention there is provided a method for creating a tailored blank assembly in which thicker material is placed at locations where there are higher strength requirements.
According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of joining two blanks comprising the steps of: providing a first blank of sheet material having a first thickness and an aperture formed in said sheet material; providing a second blank of sheet material having an embossment to offset a portion of one face of said material. The embossment having a configuration that is a complementary fit to the aperture;
positioning the first blank in a face to face relation with the second blank nesting the embossment within the aperture; and laser welding about the embossment to join the first blank to the second blank.
Preferably, the first and second blanks are of different thickness.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DR.AWINGS
Figure 1 is an isometric view of a tailored blank using the method of the present invention;
Figure 2 is a side cross-sectional view of the tailored blank of Figure 1; and Figure 3 is an isometric view of the tailored blank of Figure 1 shown from the opposite side.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
A welded tailored blank assembly 10 of the present invention is shown in Figure 1. The assembly 10 comprises a first blank 12 and a second blank 14. Each blank 12, 14 is a weldable sheet metal and has oppositely directed surfaces 13 a,b, 15 a,b, respectively.
The blanks 12, 14 are joined together along a weld seam 16. Each blank 12, 14 is generally planar, having a rectangular outline. Typically, one blank, preferably 12, is thinner than the other, preferably blank 14.
The first blank 12 has an aperture 18 extending between the surfaces 13a, 13b.
Aperture 18 is shown as rectangular, however, it is readily understood that aperture 18 can be any shape. The aperture 18 is formed in the blank 12 by any known method, for example, cutting or punching.
A second blank 14 is provided with an embossment 20 and a peripheral flange 30 as seen in figure 2. The embossment 20 may be formed by any known method.
Embossment 20 includes a step 28 that preferably has a height equal to the thickness of the first blank 12 so as to offset a portion of the surface 15a from the balance by the thickness of the blank 12. The embossment 20 should be the same shape as and slightly smaller than the aperture 18 to provide a complementary fit therein.
Embossment 20 is nested in aperture 18 such that the surface 13b of blank 12 is juxtaposed in a face to face relation with surface 15a of blank 14. The flange 30 abuts the adjacent face of the blank 12 and because the step 28 is equal to the thickness of the blank 14 ensures that the surface 26 is flush with or substantially co-planar with the surface 24 of the first blank 12. This arrangement of providing a flat surface allows for improved material flow during subsequent forming processes.
The size and location of aperture 18 and embossment 20 is determined where extra strength is required for the assembly 10. Preferably aperture 18 and embossment 20 are spaced inwardly from the outer edge of the blanks 12, 14 respectively.
As, can be seen in Figure 2, a laser beam is directed along a path outside of the perimeter of the embossment 20 and the aperture 18 to produce a weld 16 and join the two blanks 12, 14 together. The second blank 14 must be of sufficient size to allow for a weld to join the blanks together. The weld 16 is performed from the face 15b of the second blank 14 so as to penetrate only partially the blank 12. This avoids distortion or marking of the surface 13a. The weld 16 is typically a lap weld and the overlap between the flange 30 and blank 12 ensures that the weld location does not need to be accurate. It is also possible to place a fillet weld between the edge of blank 12 and the embossment 2o ; however, this requires a higher precision operation.
Although the invention has been described with reference to certain specific embodiments, various modifications thereof will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention as outlined in the claims appended hereto.
Embossment 20 is nested in aperture 18 such that the surface 13b of blank 12 is juxtaposed in a face to face relation with surface 15a of blank 14. The flange 30 abuts the adjacent face of the blank 12 and because the step 28 is equal to the thickness of the blank 14 ensures that the surface 26 is flush with or substantially co-planar with the surface 24 of the first blank 12. This arrangement of providing a flat surface allows for improved material flow during subsequent forming processes.
The size and location of aperture 18 and embossment 20 is determined where extra strength is required for the assembly 10. Preferably aperture 18 and embossment 20 are spaced inwardly from the outer edge of the blanks 12, 14 respectively.
As, can be seen in Figure 2, a laser beam is directed along a path outside of the perimeter of the embossment 20 and the aperture 18 to produce a weld 16 and join the two blanks 12, 14 together. The second blank 14 must be of sufficient size to allow for a weld to join the blanks together. The weld 16 is performed from the face 15b of the second blank 14 so as to penetrate only partially the blank 12. This avoids distortion or marking of the surface 13a. The weld 16 is typically a lap weld and the overlap between the flange 30 and blank 12 ensures that the weld location does not need to be accurate. It is also possible to place a fillet weld between the edge of blank 12 and the embossment 2o ; however, this requires a higher precision operation.
Although the invention has been described with reference to certain specific embodiments, various modifications thereof will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention as outlined in the claims appended hereto.
Claims (8)
1. A method of forming a tailored blank having two constituent parts, the method comprising the steps of providing a first constituent part having an aperture; providing a second constituent part of substantially uniform cross section having an embossment to fit the aperture and a surrounding flange to extend beyond the periphery of said aperture and overlap the first constituent part, the embossment being offset from the flange by the thickness of the first constituent part; positioning said first and second constituent parts in face to face relation such that said embossment of said second constituent part nests within said aperture with said flange overlapping said first constituent part; securing the first and second constituent parts to one another to form a substantially planar tailored blank by laser welding said flange to said first constituent part to form a continuous weld between the flange and said first constituent part, wherein nesting said embossment within said aperture results in a flush surface between said first constituent part and said embossment.
2. A method according to claim 1 wherein said first constituent part and said second constituent part are of different thicknesses.
3. A method according to claim 1 or 2 wherein said laser weld is located in said flange.
4. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein said laser welding is performed so as to penetrate only partially said first constituent part.
5. A tailored blank comprising a first constituent part having an aperture; a second constituent part of substantially uniform cross section having an embossment to fit the aperture and a surrounding flange extending beyond the periphery of said aperture and overlapping the first constituent part, the embossment being offset from the flange by the thickness of the first constituent part; said first and second constituent parts being placed in face to face relation with said second constituent part nesting said embossment within said aperture to provide a flush surface between said first constituent part and said embossment; said first and second constituent parts being secured to one another to form a substantially planar tailored blank by a laser weld extending continuously between said flange and said first constituent part.
6. A tailored blank according to claim 5 wherein said first constituent part and said second constituent part are of different thicknesses.
7. A tailored blank according to claim 5 or 6 wherein said laser weld is located in said flange.
8. A tailored blank according to any one of claims 5, 6, or 7 wherein said laser weld penetrates only partially said first constituent part.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2324795 CA2324795C (en) | 2000-10-25 | 2000-10-25 | Inserted laser welded blanks |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2324795 CA2324795C (en) | 2000-10-25 | 2000-10-25 | Inserted laser welded blanks |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2324795A1 CA2324795A1 (en) | 2002-04-25 |
| CA2324795C true CA2324795C (en) | 2009-02-10 |
Family
ID=4167516
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2324795 Expired - Lifetime CA2324795C (en) | 2000-10-25 | 2000-10-25 | Inserted laser welded blanks |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2324795C (en) |
Families Citing this family (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN108015422A (en) * | 2017-12-29 | 2018-05-11 | 广东正业科技股份有限公司 | Laser machine component and its processing technology |
-
2000
- 2000-10-25 CA CA 2324795 patent/CA2324795C/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| CA2324795A1 (en) | 2002-04-25 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| MKEX | Expiry |
Effective date: 20201026 |