Functionalization of Tool Topographies for Material Flow Control and Tool Life Optimization in Hot Sheet-Bulk Metal Forming – A Concept Study

The increasing demand for complex components with filigree secondary functional elements promotes the application of new process technologies to extend the process limits of sheet-bulk metal forming (SBMF). The filling of cavities poses great challenges for manufacturing with sufficient quality. In cold forming, a considerable potential could be observed regarding mould filling, through a local adaptation of friction properties by surface structuring. In this study the transferability to hot sheet-bulk metal forming, which offers specific advantages due to thermal support, is to be investigated. The machinability of a hardened (53 HRC) hot work tool steel (HWS) AISI H11 by micro- and high feed milling is investigated related to tool wear and surface quality. Functional surface structures are applied on dies and adapted within the scope of hot sheet-bulk metal forming. Subsequent a developed hot ring compression test is to be used for tribological investigation of the structure-dependent material flow. In addition, an increase in the wear resistance of the structures by wet abrasive jet machining is to be focused on. Finally, the improvement of the surface modifications by introducing selected structures into a prototype tool is to be evaluated under real operating conditions with regard to their durability and mould filling.