Utilising electropulsing treatment (EPT) to improve the formability of metals is of paramount importance for engineering applications. The effects of EPT on the microstructure and formability of AZ31B magnesium alloy sheet were investigated. The results indicated that the microstructure and mechanical properties were slightly improved with the increase of current density, while the formability was promoted distinctly. Besides, the formability of the specimen after EPT was better than that of the specimen annealed at the same temperature, which indicated that pulse current can effectively increase the formability of the sheet. Further studies confirmed that the athermal effect caused by the pulse current made great contribution to the dislocation mobility and improved the formability of the sheet.
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