Papers by Author: Klaus Weinert

Abstract: Different possible reasons for defects have to be considered in machining light-weight aluminum structures. In the machining process, the cutting power affecting the workpiece leads to a thermo-mechanical load that can cause undesirable workpiece deformations and thus shape deviations. Moreover, the microstructure and the machined surface can be influenced, which is detrimental to the later application of the structures. Previously conducted experimental and simulative investigations, estimated the circular milling process to be the most suitable machining operation that provides the best compromise between mechanical and thermal loads compared to drilling operations [1,2]. In this paper the results of machining end-cross-sections of an aluminum profile are presented. The machining was obtained by a milling process, which is demanding, because of the low profile stiffness. For this process it is important to know the effects of machining in view of the shape deviations. By means of a Finite-Element-Analysis the deformations of the profile web can be calculated as well as validated by experiments. Based on these results, the appropriate process parameter values for end machining can be defined.

Abstract: Lightweight frame components made of aluminum and load optimized connecting elements allow the reduction of weight and energy consumption as well as the increase of payload. Complex frame structures which nowadays can be designed and optimized with the help of modern simulation technologies require the use of adapted manufacturing technologies. Especially the flexible machining of single or limited products on the basis of common machining strategies is still inefficient and economically unacceptable. This article describes the development of adequate strategies for a high quality machining using simultaneous five-axis milling. Consequently, the machining of composite extruded aluminum profiles with continuously embedded steel-wire elements and the preparation of joining areas on nodes and commonly extruded profiles for innovative joining by forming processes have been analyzed.

Abstract: Innovative composite extrusions consisting of an aluminium matrix material with steel fibres for reinforced lightweight constructions require adapted cutting technologies. Due to the resulting tool wear when machining such composite materials, new tools and processes have to be developed. The following article describes experimental investigations concerning conventional drilling operations in comparison to helix milling operations for the manufacturing of holes in these materials. Therefore especially wear and quality aspects are discussed. Furthermore a flexible cutting process for thin walled lightweight frame connector elements to combine profiles is described. To obtain detailed process knowledge also FEA-Simulations of the thermo-mechanical loads affecting the workpiece during the process are performed.

Abstract: Most technical components applied in industrial practice are subjected to metal cutting operations during their production process. However, this leads to undesirable thermal and mechanical loads affecting the machined workpiece, which can result in an impairment of its serviceability. Due to their small wall thickness lightweight hollow profiles are highly susceptible to the inevitable machining loads and thermal stresses during drilling processes. For the virtual optimization of the machining process and in order to ensure a suitable process strategy, a finite element simulation of cutting operations for thin-walled light metal profiles is conducted. Due to the flexibility within creating drill holes of different diameters without tool changes circular milling represents a promising alternative to the application of conventional drilling tools for variable process strategies to handle batch sizes down to one piece efficiently. Hence, this article gives an insight into the investigations regarding the modeling concepts of the mechanical and thermal loads induced into the thin-walled lightweight frame structure during the circular milling process. Furthermore, process reliability aspects as well as the correlation of the calculated and the measured results will be discussed on the basis of experimental investigations. Finally, this article compares Finite Element Analysis aspects of circular milling processes with conventional drilling processes.

Abstract: A promising approach to control the material flow within deep drawing and workingmedia based forming processes is the structuring of the tool surfaces in the contact zones between workpiece and die. In order to obtain a sufficient and an optimised material flow respectively – especially for non-symmetric or non-uniform workpiece geometries – a locally adapted distribution of surface structures is a practicable solution. The macroscopic, and also the microscopic surface structures can be manufactured sufficiently by means of a high-speed cutting process. The shape of the tool surface structure has a significant influence on the tribological conditions between workpiece and die. To adjust the surface structure distribution to the required material flow distribution, detailed knowledge about the correlation of the material flow from the tribological conditions between sheet and the forming tool is required. A further innovative approach, particularly for decreasing the friction coefficient, is the use of an innovative hydrostatic pressure system using fluid ducts. Its functional principle is based on the reduction of the contact shear stress at the sheet surface in the contact zone with the forming tool by means of locally applying a hydrostatic fluid pressure. To obtain information about the correlation of the material flow from the tool surface structures and from the parameters of the hydrostatic pressure system respectively, fundamental investigations have been carried out. In order to optimise the material flow, these toolbased approaches can be used as stand-alone solution, or in addition to other systems. If the surface structures and a hydrostatic pressure system are used in combination with the multi-point blank holder, which has already been qualified for the high-pressure sheet metal forming (HBU), a powerful system for the material flow control is available.