Automated system for design and calculation of heating devices for hot die forging

Methods of mathematical modeling, basic technologies and methods of modeling in various design systems of the stamping process are considered. The canonical equations of temperature stresses are obtained, which make it possible to obtain a picture of the temperature distribution over the workpiece area during heating. A mathematical model has been developed for a thin metal strip during heating; thermal stresses arising in it due to uneven heating have been described. Numerical modeling has been carried out on the basisof field data, which will allow verification of the automated environment for the selection of functional and design schemes and the calculation of the parameters of heating devices in hot volumetric stamping of workpieces in terms of speed, energy efficiency, heating quality: accuracy of achieving specified temperatures and maximum heating uniformity. By areas, ease of use and readjustment, resource, reliability and maintainability. The proposed system will include the following CAD elements: databases and rules for operating with them, calculation modules, modules for selecting and matching options.

Analysis of the production process of the forked forging used in the excavator drive system in order to improve the currently implemented technology by the use of numerical modeling

The study concerns a comprehensive analysis of a multistage hot-die forging on hammers, in order to produce a yoke-type forging, used as a component of excavator power transmission systems. The investigations were conducted with the aim to analyze and identify the sensitive areas in the process and then improve the currently implemented forging technology by using finite element (FE) simulation. QuantorForm (the developer of the QForm program) has developed a thermomechanical numerical model for the production of forked forging. The software Computer-Aided Three-Dimensional Interactive Application (CATIA) was used to develop and build Computer-Aided Design (CAD) models of forging tools. As a result of the numerical simulations, the plastic deformations and temperature distributions for the forgings and tools were obtained, and the force courses during the forging process were analyzed. The obtained results enabled a thorough analysis of the forging process, including identification of potential forging defects (laps) as well as those tool areas that are the most loaded and exposed to damage. On this basis, changes were implemented in the production process, which allowed for the improvement of the currently implemented technology and obtaining the corrected forgings.

Structural Factors Inducing Cracking of Brass Fittings

Cu–Zn–Pb brasses are popular materials, from which numerous industrially and commercially used components are fabricated. These alloys are typically subjected to multiple-step processing—involving casting, extrusion, hot forming, and machining—which can introduce various defects to the final product. The present study focuses on the detailed characterization of the structure of a brass fitting—i.e., a pre-shaped medical gas valve, produced by hot die forging—and attempts to assess the factors beyond local cracking occurring during processing. The analyses involved characterization of plastic flow via optical microscopy, and investigations of the phenomena in the vicinity of the crack, for which we used scanning and transmission electron microscopy. Numerical simulation was implemented not only to characterize the plastic flow more in detail, but primarily to investigate the probability of the occurrence of cracking based on the presence of stress. Last, but not least, microhardness in specific locations of the fitting were examined. The results reveal that the cracking occurring in the location with the highest probability of the occurrence of defects was most likely induced by differences in the chemical composition; the location the crack in which developed exhibited local changes not only in chemical composition—which manifested as the presence of brittle precipitates—but also in beta phase depletion. Moreover, as a result of the presence of oxidic precipitates and the hard and brittle alpha phase, the vicinity of the crack exhibited an increase in microhardness, which contributed to local brittleness.

Case Study of the Effect of Precoating on the Decarburization of the Surface Layer of Forged Parts during the Hot Die Forging Process

This paper aims to evaluate the effect of pre-coating of forged parts on decarburization in the die forging process. The studies consisted of three stages. In the first instance, different coatings were tested under laboratory conditions by heating steel samples to the temperature of 1200 °C for over five minutes to model the preheating conditions of the induction. Next, testing continued in a commercial forging stand where we tested the effects of different coatings on the rods decarburization during the induction heating process, usually performed before forging. Once completed testing, the measurements and observations of the decarbonized layer were made. The third stage involved analysis of the decarburization of the forged parts after forging. The forged parts were made using precoating of pre-forging elements; pieces cut off a metal rod. Based on tests results, the possibility of using this solution in the technique of industrial hot forging was evaluated. The results of laboratory tests have confirmed that lubrication of metal pieces is sufficient, as well as proved it to be effective in reducing decarburization of the surface layer. Research works conducted in an induction heater showed differences in decarburization depending on a substance and concentration of lubricants that were used. These differences become more apparent when observing the surface layer of the forged parts. Results indicate that decarburization may be reduced to a minimum when we use Bonderite product in a concentration of 66% and 50%. Another lubricant, Berulit 913, may also be used. However, due to burning graphite in high temperatures, reduction of decarburization goes only as far as half of the thickness of the decarbonized layer. Condursal has no significant effect; nevertheless, it protects over the induction heating stage.

Application of neural networks to improve forging technology of crankshaft forgings to ensure their balancibility

The using results of neural network to analyze the balancing of R4 crankshaft forgings using elements of digital production systems based on 3D parametric evaluation of forging imbalance parameters depending on the keywоrd parameters of the forging and the hot die forging process are presented. Specially created and trained neural network is used to approximate the results of the researches. The boundaries of keywоrds parameters of R4 crankshaft forgings are determined based on the analysis. The technological drawing of the forging and all stamping tooling are changed. The solution is implemented into production.

Computer simulation of the technology for AK4-1 alloy die forging production for an internal combustion engine piston

The process of hot die forging of AK4-1 aluminum alloy billets for the piston of an internal combustion engine (ICE) for an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) was simulated using the Deform-3D software package. The object of research was an ICE piston mounted on one of the UAV types of Russian production. Simulation was performed using the following parameters: tooling and billet temperature was 450 °C, ambient temperature was 20 °C, punch speed was 5 mm/s, and Siebel friction index was 0.4. Rigid plastic medium was chosen as a material model. The number of elements (6000) was selected so that at least 3 elements fit in the narrowest section of the part. Thus, as illustrated by the piston die forging, computer simulation in the Deform-3D software makes it possible to develop hot die forging processes for making aluminum alloy billets for UAV ICE pistons. At the same time, computer simulation can be used to evaluate the power parameters of the hot die forging process, study the nature of billet forming in die forging, make necessary adjustments to the virtual process, and develop the design of a die forging tool in order to select the most effective process solutions when designing a real process. The described computer simulation technique can be extended to other aluminum alloy die forgings.

Case Study of the Effect of Precoating on the Decarburization of the Surface Layer of Forged Parts during the Hot Die Forging Process

Based on tests results, the possibility of using this solution in the technique of industrial hot forging was evaluated. The results of laboratory tests have confirmed that lubrication of metal pieces is sufficient as well as proved it to be effective in reducing decarburization of the surface layer. Research works conducted in an induction heater showed differences in decarburization depending on a substance and concentration of lubricants that were used. These differences become more apparent when observing the surface layer of the forged parts. Results indicate that decarburization may be reduced to a minimum when we use Bonderite product in a concentration of 66% and 50%. Another lubricant, Berulit 913, may also be used. However, due to burning graphite in high temperatures, reduction of decarburization goes only as far as half of the thickness of the decarbonized layer. Condursal has no significant effect; nevertheless, it protects over the induction heating stage.