Evaluation of interfacial friction condition by boss and rib test based on backward extrusion

Proper consideration of tribological problems at the contact interface between the tool and workpiece is crucial in metal forming, since interfacial friction condition plays an important role in metal forming by influencing the metal flow, forming load, die wear, etc. In order to quantitatively estimate such friction condition, a new friction testing method “Boss and Rib Test” based on the backward extrusion process is proposed in this work. In boss and rib test, a key design is to use a tube-shaped punch so that the boss and rib at the deforming workpiece along the inner and outer surfaces of the punch are formed during backward extrusion. It was experimentally and numerically revealed that the heights of the boss and rib vary according to the friction condition applied. It was also found that the height of the boss is higher than that of the rib when the friction condition at the contact interface is severe. From this finding, the shear friction factor can be evaluated according to lubricant characteristics assigned. In addition, simulation results revealed that calibration curve demonstrating deformation pattern of the workpiece is affected by strain-hardening exponent of the workpiece.