Warm forming die design, Part II: Parting surface temperature response characterization of a novel thermal finite element modeling code

The majority of the research activities in the area of warm forming are concentrated on demonstrating or simulating the improved formability associated with forming lightweight materials such as aluminum alloys at elevated temperatures. However, the ability to design the proper thermal management system within the forming tool is a critical aspect to delivering this technology as a viable, stable production alternative to traditional stamping. This work begins to address the thermal stability issues of this process by examining the impact of process cycle time on the parting surface temperature response. Cycle times of 10, 15, 30, and 300 s were evaluated using a reciprocating surface and a self-heated experimental block of 1020 steel fitted with resistance cartridge heaters. The presented results indicate that cycle time does not significantly impact the steady-state temperature response at the parting surface for a well-insulated die that has proper thermal management. Parting surface experimental results were compared to values obtained numerically and through the use of the novel thermal finite element analysis software PASSAGE/Forming®.