Characteristic features of blanking die wear with consideration for the change in composition, structure and properties of contact surfaces

Blanking dies constitute heavily loaded tribosystems with low-cycle friction fatigue being the primary mechanism of their wear. In this paper the authors consider characteristic features of steels with 12% chromium content which are widely used in the manufacture of blanking dies. It has been found that in the course of die operation certain secondary protective structures are formed on its surface, significantly influencing the wear process. Structural changes in subsurface layers as well as the role of these changes in blanking die friction have been studied. Principles of friction control have been advanced for the tribosystems under analysis.