Papers by Keyword: Die Design

Abstract: This study examines the forging process of an aluminum upper control arm for automotive applications. To address the geometric complexity and forming challenges, a multi-step forging route, comprising of roll forging, two-stage bending, pre-forging, and final forging, is developed. Finite element analysis (FEA) using DEFORM-3D software is employed to optimize key forming process parameters in the pre‑forging stage. The response surface methodology (RSM), combined with the Box–Behnken design, is utilized to construct predictive models and identify optimal parameter combinations. A successful forged upper control arm is subsequently produced using these optimized forming parameters. The findings demonstrate that integrating FEA with statistical process optimization strengthens the predictive accuracy of the process design and supports defect‑free forging of AA6082 upper control arms.

Abstract: The transition towards sustainable mobility demands lightweight and modular carrier systems for high-voltage batteries and fuel cells that combine structural efficiency with effective thermal management. This study examines the feasibility of producing thin-walled, large-scale aluminum extrusion profiles for modular battery housings using AA6063. Numerical simulations and experimental trials are conducted to optimize die design and define process limits along the relation between circumscribing circle diameter (CCD) and minimal wall thickness t_min. Furthermore, different quenching methods are used to investigate the influence on surface distortion and final mechanical properties. A streamlined die design with reduced mandrel deflection has enabled defect-free extrusion under controlled conditions for the extrusion of a thin-walled, large-scale profile with a CCD-to-t_min ratio of 138. A narrow process window is identified for extrusion of defect-free profiles. Quenching studies have shown that active cooling methods affect surface deformation but have negligible influence on mechanical properties or microstructure due to efficient heat extraction inherent to thin-wall geometries for the investigated alloy. Scaling experiments using an enlarged cross section by a factor of 2.5 have confirmed similar process stability without wall thickness adjustments, achieving up to 38 % weight reduction compared with conventional designs under industrial conditions.

Abstract: The paper presents the experience of development and implementation of an integrated approach of extrusion simulation with the automated design of the dies as a new way to speed up the technology development and its optimisation based on the QForm UK Extrusion simulation program and QForm Extrusion Die Designer (QExDD) design system. Bearing and prechamber optimisation types are considered for the porthole design. Welding quality and possible streaking lines in the profile are analysed for the tool construction with optimised prechamber contour.

Abstract: The piston connecting rod is an indispensable in the internal structure of the automobile. As one of the important components in the internal combustion engine system, the piston connecting rod needs to meet the requirements of high fatigue and impact load resistance. Forged piston connecting rod can obtain high strength and fatigue resistance. In this study, the parting line, draft angle, forging tolerance, die fillet radius, shrinkage and scrap are considered in the design of forging die. The process parameters and die dimensions of the forging process of aluminum alloy piston rod are simulated by finite element analysis. The aluminum alloy piston rod with high dimensional accuracy is then forged according to the finite element simulation results.

Abstract: A special design of the die was developed, which allows to implement the process of severe plastic deformation by high pressure torsion to deform ring blanks, which will be the starting material for creating high-strength piston rings. A special feature of the die design is the provision of torsion of the deforming tool with constant rectilinear movement of the press punch due to the composite deforming tool, which includes both displacement and rotation blocks. Using the obtained geometry, computer simulation of this process in the Deform program was performed in order to assess the possibility of a stable process flow. AISI-316 austenitic stainless steel was chosen as the material of the billet. The resulting strain force on the first two cycles was considered. On the first cycle, the force was equal to 464 kN, on the second cycle the force value was about 1200 kN. The obtained values are quite adequate, which indicates the possibility of multi-cycle deformation.

Abstract: Nowadays, finite element method (FEM) has been widely used to forecast metal forming process, to analysis problems of workpiece, to decrease production cost, and to save time of die design. This work studied the use of FEM as a tool to design a hot forging die for producing an automotive part named Yoke Spline. The part was made from carbon steel grade S45CVL0. There are three processes to produce Yoke Spline, including the buster, rougher, and finisher processes. The objective of the study was to increase efficiency of production by 5%. To achieve this objective, it was necessary to design a new die in the buster process by using FEM to analyze the die size and shape. The new die must produce the workpieces without any defects. The defects regularly found in the forging workpieces are the dimension out of specification, the under filling, and the crack. The sizes of the buster upper die cover are the width and depth. The die width of 44.5, 46.5 and 49.5 millimeters and the die depth of 25, 28 and 31 millimeters were used in the hot forging simulation. From FEM simulation results, it was found that the die width of 46.5 millimeters and the die depth of 28 millimeters were the best to form workpieces without any defects. In summary, the simulation and experimental results were compatible.

Abstract: Compared with traditional liquid and solid processing methods, semi-solid die casting process can apparently overcome shrinkage cavity and porosity defects in castings and high deformation resistance and high residual stress shortcomings in forging parts. Semi-solid die casting process with advantages such as high efficiency and low cost, will become the optimal process for high quality automobile parts. In this study, using the clamp as an example, the author introduced product structure optimization and die design for semi-solid die-casting process of aluminum alloy in a new product development.The Computer Aided Engineering technology was applied to the product structure optimization according to the stress analysis. The optimal mold structure, including cavity layout, gating system, overflow and vent systems, were confirmed based on the die design criteria for traditional die casting, combining with the characteristics of semi-solid forming and the simulation results. The semi-solid aluminum alloy clamp parts with excellent performances were finally developed successfully by means of product structure optimization, die design, parameters optimization of die casting process, and the mechanical properties test of products.The existing parts were optimized to make them more suitable for semi-solid die casting processing. In addition, a reasonable die design specially for semi solid processing was an important guarantee for a successful semi solid product applied in industry. Computer numerical simulation was applied in product structure design for semi-solid die casting, die design, die-casting process optimization and other aspects, to shorten the development cycle of new product, reduce cost and improve efficiency.

Abstract: Steel and its alloys have a wide range of applications in many industries like automobile, defense, architecture, chemical etc. In the present work, spring back analysis has done on three different grades of steel (SS202, SS309 and MS2016) sheet materials are considered. An experimental setup has been developed for spring back by the design and fabrication die. Spring back behavior is noted in all the three sheets in three rolling directions 0 ̊, 45 ̊ and 90 ̊. Results showed that spring back is noted in all the sheets with an angle of order 1-10 ̊.The load displacement behavior also seen for all the experiments.

Abstract: Residual stresses produced by cold drawing are an undesirable effect of the non-uniform plastic strain distribution generated during the conforming process used for obtaining prestressing steel wires. Among the diverse parameters of the process influencing the residual stress generation, one of the most relevant is the geometry of the drawing die and, in particular, the inlet die angle. Wires drawn with die angles as low as possible will exhibit a lower and more homogeneous plastic strain state and, therefore, a smaller and more uniform residual stress state. Thus, the hydrogen embrittlement (HE) susceptibility of such wires is also lower, thereby enlarging the life in service of these components. In this paper an innovative design of the drawing die is proposed using two consecutive angles (i.e., varying die angle) for reducing the residual stress-strain state in the cold drawn wires and, consequently, for improving the resistance to HE of prestressing steel wires.

Abstract: High Quality Cost Effective Die Castings rely to a large extent on successful, effective and practical die design. A review is carried out of some runner and gate designs which resulted in successful high quality castings. Some High Pressure and Gravity cast casting are evaluated. Simulation results for evaluating the impact on the flow during filling due to Runner Geometries, Gate Geometries and positions as well as venting, overflows or risers are discussed. Thermal intervention through the use of internal thermal channels are also evaluated through the use of simulation results. The paper centres on a discussion of analysis of simulation results, predicting defects which impact on some aspects of surface finish and porosity. A case study is presented showing the value of following and taking heed of lessons learnt from simulation results, to carry out die designs with reduced reliance on simulation. Index Terms: South African Foundries, High Pressure Die Casting, Computerised Fluid Dynamics Simulation, Die Design, Defect Reduction.