Reinforcement of thin hot-stamped components by fiber reinforced plastic structures with optimized fatigue strength properties

Multi-material structures in the automotive industry hold great potential for lightweight design, body construction, and functionalization due to their favorable mechanical properties and reduced structural weight. The combination of metal and plastic, in particular, is commonly used to enhance the overall properties of the end product when compared to single-material structures.This paper describes a process development with a hot-stamping and an extrusion tool. By means of this tool, a thermally assisted extrusion process can be used to join GMT (Glass Mat reinforced Thermoplastics) and 22MnB5 steel in a single process step. Through adhesion, the GMT adheres to the rough surface of the AlSi(aluminum-silicon)-coated 22MnB5. Test components were manufactured and through static tests the influence of process parameters was evaluated. Assuming that the parameters determined for the reference component are already sufficient for a design in the vehicle, the reduction of the steel thickness of the structure from 1.5 mm to 1.2 mm can be recommended on the basis of the results obtained. This is accompanied by a reduction in the mass of the test structure used while maintaining or improving its dynamic and static properties. Further weight savings appear possible through further component and process optimization.