The influence of process parameters on the temperature development in the forming zone

Cold metal forming is a fast and economical way of producing a wide range of precise components. Its profitability mainly depends on part quality, process stability and service intervals of tools. As these factors are all determined by tool wear, detailed process knowledge is indispensable to maximize profitability by minimizing wear. One of the most crucial factors in this context is temperature. During every forming process, a temperature rise occurs between tool and workpiece due to frictional heating and a large part of plastic work dissipating into heat. This temperature affects the whole forming process but especially tool wear. Currently, there is little solid information about temperatures occurring during forming operations. Therefore, the temperature was measured based on varying process parameters in several embossing and blanking examinations. The use of a tool-workpiece-thermocouple enabled accurate and instantaneous measurement during the process. The results presented show the strong influence of process parameters on temperatures in the forming zone.