Mechanical conditions in bulk metal forming tribometers—Part one

Tribological effects between workpiece and tools have a severe impact on the feasibility, economy and ecology of metal forming processes. In order to correctly predict the feasibility and performance of forming processes, a sound knowledge of the characteristics of tribological systems has to be guaranteed. Tribosystems used in bulk metal forming face very high loads. Therefore, numerous specialized tests have been developed. However, not all of these tests enable homogenous test conditions. The paper at hand depicts the state of the art in friction and wear measurement with special focus on the homogeneity. Furthermore, it presents a new tribological test rig, which is able to display the occurring conditions in bulk metal forming more homogeneously.

► Special tribometers are rather important in bulk metal forming.
► Demands, especially on homogeneity, for tribological test rigs are high.
► Most common tribometers fulfill the demands insufficiently.
► Sliding Compression Test is a new promising approach.
► SCT represents the tribological loads quite homogeneously.