Supplying automotive parts with the tight dimensional and mechanical tolerances that auto makers are demanding requires strict process control as well as a deep and thorough understanding of the basic mechanisms throughout the processing route. The focus of this paper is on the latter stages of the processing route where it is important to relate the mechanical properties of the material after it is extruded to the dimensional tolerances of the final parts along with their structural performance. Practical aspects related to the application of specific bending operations to different automotive parts are discussed and exemplified.
