METHOD OF JOINING ALUMINIUM ALLOY SHEETS OF THE AA7000-SERIES

摘要

The invention relates to a method for producing a joint (D) in at least two overlapping metal work pieces (1, 1') using a joining tool to obtain a mechanical joint between the overlapping work pieces, in particular joining by means of mechanical folding or pressure-joining, and wherein at least one of the first work piece (1) and second work piece (1') is a sheet material made of an aluminium alloy of the AA7000- series, and wherein there is applied a heat-treatment (B) to at least the work piece of said 7000- series sheet material within 120 minutes prior to the production of the joint and/or for at least part of the time during production of the joint so as to temporarily reduce the tensile strength in the joining area of at least of the work piece of said 7000- series sheet material.