Computer Aided Design of Multi-Stage Cold Forging Process: Load Peaks and Strain Distribution Evaluation

Summary This paper describes some developments of an interactive program aimed at assisting the user in analysing for suitability the forming sequences for multi-stage cold forging of rotationally symmetric parts. The program capabilities include (i) the automatic analysis of sequences in forging solid as well as hollow parts and recognition of individual operations involved in each step, (ii) the evaluation of the load-peak distribution in the different forming stage-and (iii) the prediction of the strain distribution accumulated in the blanks and the finished part. The program is part of an integrated system consisting of a suite of interactive procedures whose purpose is facilitating all the engineering activities for the process planning functions involved in manufacturing components on automatic multi-station cold forging machines. The major implication of including the developed program in this CAD system is that of providing the user with the tools suitable to perform a complete producibility check and to identify the most appropriate forming sequence.