Dynamic Performance of Polymer-Steel-Hybrids Manufactured by Means of Process Integration

Hybrid components are commonly produced in two or more separate manufacturing steps. In order to apply fiber-reinforced thermoplastics (FRTP) adhesively to a hot stamped blank, it has to be reheated. Through the integration of production processes of processing hot stamped metal blank and FRTP, it is possible to form and join the two materials simultaneously without reheating the metal component. By setting up an automated experiment to interrupt the cooling step during the hot stamping process at an elevated temperature level, the residual temperature of the metal blank in the quenching phase can be used to enable an adhesive bond of the FRTP to the formed steel. Within the scope of this investigation, a process window suitable for the interruption of the hot stamping process and the subsequent application of the FRTP is determined. Finally, hybrid u-shaped profiles are examined under dynamic loads, demonstrating an increase in the mechanical performance.