LOCALIZED LASER ANNEALING OF HOT STAMPED PARTS

Localized laser annealing/softening can be used to improve the ductility of sheet metal components.

High strength steel is being used increasingly more commonly in automotive body panels for weight reduction. Parts such as B-pillars and body panels are commonly being hot stamped for high strength. Laser annealing can be used to increase the formability required in subsequent joining operations such as riveting, hemming, and roll forming.