The two pieces of material from which the tailored blank is made may be dissimilar, for example, coated and uncoated steel. This would be the case when a component needs enhanced corrosion protection in a certain region. Or the two pieces may be of different thickness, allowing designers to select and strengthen critical areas of the body without adding significant weight. Thick/thin tailored blanks may also be used in impact energy absorption areas to achieve controlled collapse in an accident.
Laser welds are suited to tailored blank production as they are very narrow, have no raised top- or under-bead and do not require special finishing. TWI has developed procedures for laser butt welding tailored blanks and application of the technique to body component manufacture.
Benefits of tailored blanks include:
- ~ Reduced material usage and scrap - increases in material yield of between 25-40% have been claimed.