A new process route for the manufacturing of highly formed fiber-metal-laminates with elastomer interlayers (FMEL)

Fiber-metal-laminates (FML) provide a high variability in part properties and are often used to satisfy multiple component demands in aerospace applications. However, conventional use of hybrid laminates in the automotive sector is unrewarding due to high manufacturing costs and strongly restricted forming degrees. This paper presents an approach, which enables the manufacturing of laminate components with low bending radii for high volume applications. To separate the carbon fiber–reinforced polymers (CFRP) from the metal sheets, an elastomer layer was used, resulting in the omission of surface treatments for adhesion and corrosion prevention. The forming degrees presented in this work exceeded current approaches. Furthermore, the influence of the forming process on the mechanical properties was analyzed, thus ensuring the profitability of the presented approach for industrial applications.