Investigation of die radius arc profile on wear behaviour in sheet metal processing of advanced high strength steels

Advanced high strength steels (AHSS) are increasingly used in sheet metal stamping in the automotive industry. In comparison with conventional steels, AHSS stampings produce higher contact pressures at the interface between draw die and sheet metal blank, resulting in more severe wear conditions, particularly at the draw die radius. Developing the ability to accurately predict and reduce the potential tool wear during the tool design stage is vital for shortening lead times and reducing production cost. This paper investigates the effects of draw die geometry on the sheet metal tool wear distribution over the draw die radius using numerical and experimental methods. A numerical tool wear model is introduced and applied using the commercial software package Abaqus. Channel bend tests are carried out using an Erichsen sheet metal tester to verify the numerical model. Various geometries of radius arc profiles, including standard circular profiles, high elliptical profiles, and flat elliptical profiles, are numerically investigated, and the wear volume and contact pressure distribution along the radii are determined. The results show that the profile of the draw die radius has a significant effect on the wear distribution, and that a low contact pressure distribution can be achieved by using a combination of circular and high elliptical curved geometries.

Research highlights
► Investigation of advanced high strength steel as automotive stamping tool material.
► Predicting and reducing the tool wear in AHSS stampings to increase tool life.
► Effects of draw die geometry on the sheet metal tool wear distribution.
► An experimental methodology to validate the numerical model using channel forming.
► Low contact pressure predicted by combination of circular and elliptical geometries.