Optimizing sheet metal edge quality with laser-polishing: surface characterization and performance evaluation

Dual-phase (DP) steels are widely used in the automotive industry due to their exceptional performance. It offers excellent strength, ductility, formability, and weldability. However, there is a high risk of edge cracking, particularly in materials like DP1000 steel, caused by residual damage from blanking, such as microcracks and burrs, which needs further investigation. In this study, the transformative potential of laser-polishing on DP1000 steel was investigated. The goal was to reduce edge crack sensitivity and enhance edge formability. In this work, laser-polished samples produced by various pre-manufacturing techniques such as sawing, punching, and waterjet cutting were examined. Various evaluations were performed on laser-polished samples. Those included white-light-confocal microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and Electron Backscatter Diffraction (EBSD) analysis. Those evaluations aimed to analyze the microstructural transformation, surface roughness, and micro grain size distribution resulting from laser-polishing. Laser-polishing is a process in which the edge of the sample is remelted locally. Hence, residual damage vanishes, and surface defects disappear, which should be beneficial for edge formability. On the other hand, the cooling rate during re-solidification is high, leading to high strength and reduced ductility compared to the initial DP steel. Therefore, hole expansion tests were conducted to evaluate the edge formability of the steel. The results indicated a significant improvement in the hole expansion ratio of the laser-polished samples compared to samples with conventional manufactured edges. These findings will help to assess the advantages and limitations of laser-polishing in sheet material manufacturing.