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A significant number of formed parts constitute the components of an automobile or aircraft. The formed blanks for the components are produced at different temperatures ranging from room temperature to 2250 degrees Fahrenheit for steel. Forming progressions convert a basic shape or geometry (a cylindrical billet, for example) of metal into a more complex shape close to the required final component geometry. The progression steps, choice of temperatures and equipment significantly impact the cost of the blank. A ‘Discriminating Cost Model’ was developed to capture the cost effectiveness of a given choice of process or equipment, and an AI (Artificial Intelligence) search algorithm implemented to quickly search through the large number of process and equipment selection options to arrive at the most cost effective choice. Two applications of this methodology to existing plant processes to significantly reduce cost and implement ‘lean’ principles of manufacturing are discussed.

Higher strength and tighter dimensional accuracy is desired for the injector nozzles in order to attain high injection pressures for lower particulate and NOx emissions. Cold forming is an alternate method for making the injector nozzle which can provide these characteristics replacing the present machining operation. Experimental tests to study the material characteristics and two dimensional finite element simulation combined with knowledge-based system analysis were used to design a multi-stage sequential process to manufacture the injector nozzle. An interface program provides an efficient data exchange after process simulation for punch stress analysis.

Medium carbon steels have been traditionally used for high strength forging applications. These steels contain several alloying elements like chromium, nickel and molybdenum which enable them to attain excellent hardenability and toughness upon heat treatment (quenching and tempering). Microalloyed (MA) medium carbon forging steels are gaining acceptance as a replacement for the traditional quenched and tempered grades as they do not require post forging heat treatment and hence represent substantial savings in manufacturing costs. Since the chief advantage of MA steels lies in the savings of heat treatment costs, the post-forging cooling rate is one of the primary parameters for controlling microstructure and toughness of the forged part. This paper investigates the effect of different cooling rates on the microstructure and mechanical properties of MA steels. Experiments were conducted by cooling test billets in different media.

In recent years, efforts at reducing manufacturing costs for moderate to high strength steel components has provided a major driving force for the development, evaluation and application of high strength low alloy (HSLA) or microalloyed (MA) steels with ferrite-pearlite microstructure. In order to improve or control the final properties of a part forged from MA steels, the effects of thermo-mechanical processing on final properties need to be investigated. Isothermal upset tests were conducted, on two MA steels, TMS-80R (Vanadium MA steel) and TMS-80R+Ti (Titanium modified Vanadium MA steel). The flow behavior as well as preliminary relationships between processing conditions and microstructure were established for these two steels. Further, forging trials were conducted at a forging facility to obtain relationships between processing conditions and mechanical properties.

Improper roll pass designs can lead to either underfill which results in the formation of hairline cracks on the surface of the finished bars or overfill which results in roll overloading and the formation of fins. Therefore to reduce downtime, and improve yield and quality, it becomes important to design an acceptable roll pass in reasonable time. This paper presents a methodology for roll pass design which uses a three dimensional finite element technique along with an empirical procedure to arrive at an iterative scheme for reducing the number of passes and improving metal flow in the passes. This methodology is applied to improving an existing seven pass square - to - round rolling sequence, resulting in the reduction of the number of passes and improved distributions of effective strains in the rolled product.

The practical and proven use of computers in forming technology include: CAD/CAM for die making; transfer of geometric data from the customer's CAD/CAM system to that of the supplier and vice versa; application of artificial intelligence and expert systems for part and process design; simulation of metal flow to eliminate forging defects; prediction and optimization of process variables; and analysis of stresses in dies as well as prevention of premature die failure. Intelligent use of this information can lead to significant gains in product quality and productivity. This paper presents three examples of application of process simulation to forming : rolling, ring rolling and forging.