Tailor made blanks for the aerospace industry

The concept of Tailor Welded Blanks is well known in the automotive industry. This concept is used for aluminium parts in the aerospace industry, although for machined parts and parts using other joining methods. A brief overview is given of the potential, the technical and economical merits of the concept when applied in the aerospace industry. First, the potential of the concept is evaluated and how it matches the manufacturing principles. It shows that the combination of universal processes with soft tools and Tailor Made Blanks (TMB) is ideal, even for small product series. Regarding the technical aspects, the formability of the machined, bonded and welded TMB is evaluated. The differences in thickness, type of alloy, and stress-strain states have their impact on the forming limits and spring back of TMB. Research shows that transition lines introduce stress concentrations and those lines are often weakened by the joining process. As result the formability and spring back of the blanks is reduced and orientation dependent. The economical merits are demonstrated by a wing rib. This formed part is a redesign from a machined TMB. Significant benefits are achieved in production time, weight and costs.