New concepts for cutting, surface treatment and forming of aluminium sheets used for fibre-metal laminate manufacturing

With regard to the automated production of fibre-metal laminates (FML), new technologies for the treatment of thin aluminium sheets (AA2024, AA5028) are developed. This includes laser cutting, creep forming and surface treatment by means of laser and plasma techniques as well as the use of a novel anodizing tape for local applications. The surface treatment techniques are used for surface pretreatment and cut edge protection of aluminium sheets. The results concerning cutting speed, creep forming parameters, corrosion protection performance and adhesion properties allow a first evaluation of the feasibility for the use of these novel processes with regard to the resulting material properties and the associated manufacturing aspects in industrial FML production.