An examination of the accumulative roll-bonding process

Ultra-low-carbon steel strips containing 0.002% C were rolled at 500 °C, following the steps of the accumulative roll-bonding process. Strips of 32 layers were created. The mechanical attributes after rolling and cooling were examined and the development of edge cracking was monitored. The metal’s yield and tensile strengths increased by 200–300% while the ductility dropped from a pre-rolled value of 75 to 4%. The rolling process was stopped when cracking of the edges became pronounced. The shear strength of the bond was about 60% of the yield strength in shear. The accumulation of the retained strain after dynamic recovery caused cracking at the edges. A potential industrial application of the accumulative roll-bonding process, that of the creation of tailored blanks, is discussed.