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TALAT Lecture 3705

Drawing of Automotive Sheet Metal Parts


30 pages, 37 figures
Advanced Level
prepared by Klaus Siegert, Institut fr Umformtechnik, Universitt Stuttgart

Objectives:
to describe the special requirements for the successful fabrication of automotive aluminium sheet metal parts with respect to material properties, machinery and drawing
equipment and tools
Prerequisites:
General production engineering background
Background in sheet metal forming principles
TALAT Lectures 3701 - 3704

Date of Issue: 1996


EAA European Aluminium Association

3705 Drawing of Automotive Sheet Metal Parts

Table of Contents
3705 Drawing of Automotive Sheet Metal Parts.............................................2
3705.01 Introduction................................................................................................ 3
3705.02 Characteristic Materials Parameters ....................................................... 4
Effect of Paint Bake Cycle on Strength ...................................................................4
Anisotropy................................................................................................................4
3705.03 The Drawing Process ................................................................................. 6
Stretch Forming .......................................................................................................6
Stretch Forming a Bulge with a Spherical Punch ....................................................7
Hydraulic Stretch Forming.......................................................................................8
Deep Drawing with a Hemispherical Punch ..........................................................10
Deep Drawing and Stretch Forming ......................................................................11
Drawing Irregular Sheet Shapes of Large Areas....................................................12
3705.04 Possibilities of Controlling the Material Flow....................................... 13
Control of Material Flow under Blankholder ........................................................13
Arrangement of Draw Beads..................................................................................15
3705.05 Adjusting the Die Cushion ....................................................................... 15
Mechanical vs. Hydraulic Press Equipment ..........................................................15
Four-Point Die Cushion .........................................................................................16
Desired and Actual Curves for Blankholder Force ................................................17
Advantages of a Servo-Hydraulic Die Cushion in the Press Table .......................17
Four-Point Die Cushion in the Press Table............................................................18
Four-Point Die Cushion in the Press Table with Adjustable Spindle Sleeves.......19
Functional Principle of a Spindle Sleeve Adjustment ...........................................20
Experimental Construction of a Single Action Hydraulic Press (10-Point) ..........20
Blankholder and Spindle Sleeve Forces.................................................................21
Force Displacement Curves ...................................................................................21
Demonstration Case of the Multi-Point Drawing Arrangement ............................24
3705.06 Tool Materials for Drawing of Aluminium Sheet Metal Parts ............ 25
Tool Materials........................................................................................................25
Surface Coatings for Drawing Tools .....................................................................26
3705.07 Examples................................................................................................... 27
3705.08 List of Figures............................................................................................ 29

TALAT 3705

3705.01 Introduction
Forecasts for the year 2000 predict that the proportion of steel used in cars will shrink
compared to 1984. At the same time the proportion of high strength steel will increase
sharply as will the share of automotive aluminium, see Figure 3705.01.01.

Forecast for the Year 2000


%

Steel

65

Steel

60

high-strength
and
higher strength
steel

50
40
30
20

Plastics
Aluminium

Plastics Aluminium

10
0

2000

1984
Source: Thyssen technical reports 2/86
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Forecast for the Year 2000

3705.01.01

Training in Aluminium Application Technologies

Among other applications in the car, aluminium alloys will be used to substitute steel in
carbody sheet components. Previous experience with the production of aluminium sheet
metal components for cars has demonstrated that special attention has to be given to the
peculiarities of aluminium carbody sheet in the fabrication of car components. The fabrication process of carbody sheet metal components is a mixture of deep drawing and
stretch forming. Aluminium and steel behave differently with regard to these two basic
forming operations. It is, therefore, necessary to consider the basic technology of sheet
metal drawing for aluminium carbody components in view of the material properties,
the behaviour during the drawing process and the special requirements with respect to
the drawing equipment and the tooling.

TALAT 3705

3705.02 Characteristic Materials Parameters


Effect of Paint Bake Cycle on Strength
Figure 3705.02.01 shows the influence of cold forming and paint stoving on the yield
stress Rp0,2 of typical aluminium carbody sheet alloys. It is apparent that age-hardening
alloys profit from the baking cycle while strain-hardening alloys may suffer a reduction
in yield strength values.

Influence of Cold Work and Simulated


Lacquer Stoving (205 C/ 30 min.) on Yield Strength
300

6009-T4 after stoving

Yield strength Rp0,2

N/mm

250
6009-T4 before stoving
200

5182-O

150
5182-O after stoving
100
0

4
5
6
Cold Work (Strain)

% 8

Source: IFU Stuttgart


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Training in Aluminium Application Technologies

Influence of Cold Work and Simulated


Lacquer Stoving on Yield Strength

3705.02.01

Anisotropy
Figure 3705.02.02 shows the yield criteria for a plane state of stress as a function of the
r value. A value of r = 1 indicates an isotropic behaviour.
Under a tensile-compressive state of stress, as in the flange of a deep drawn part, the
stress required to maintain a plastic state decreases with increasing values of r. This
means that increasing values of r result in lower drawing forces.
During tensile-tensile stressing, e.g. in the body of a deep drawn part, larger axial
stresses can be transmitted with increasing values of r.
By increasing the value of r, one can increase the strength of the body and at the same
time lower the strength in the flange. This explains why the limiting draw ratio increases
with increasing r values.

TALAT 3705

Aluminium sheet alloys in a state of good drawing quality generally have values of r 1
which vary with respect to the rolling direction.

Effects of Anisotropy
!"
I

! # %&

IV

r=5
r=3
r = 1, r = 0

kf

r=0

-kf

!1

kf
-kf

II

III

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Effect of r-Value on Yield Locus

Training in Aluminium Application Technologies

3705.02.02

Figure 3705.02.03 illustrates the elongation values Ag and A80 for the alloy
AlMgSi1-ka (EN-AW 6082-T4) using polar coordinates.

Elongation Values for AlMgSi1-ka


in polar coordinates
Rolling direction (RD)
0
30

22.5

45

15

67.5

90
to RD

Ag
A80mm
Source: IfU Stuttgart
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Elongation Values for AlMgSi1-ka in Polar Coordinates

Training in Aluminium Application Technologies

3705.02.03

Figure 3705.02.04 shows the vertical anisotropy r for the alloy AlMg5Mn-w (EN-AW
5182-0) using polar coordinates.

TALAT 3705

Vertical Anisotropy r for AlMg5Mn w


as a function of rolling direction
Rolling direction (RD)
0

22.5

45

1.0

67.5

0.4

r90 = 0.640
90
to RD

r0 = rmin' 0.592
r45 = rmax' 0.934

r value for g = 0.11


Source: IFU Stuttgart
alu
Training in Aluminium Application Technologies

Vertical Anisotropy r for AlMg5Mn w


as a Function of Rolling Direction

3705.02.04

The varying elongation behaviour and the varying values for anisotropy are a result of
the texture of the individual materials. The values shown here are exemplary and depend
on the material as well as on the processes of cold and warm rolling and on the heat
treatment.

3705.03 The Drawing Process

Stretch Forming
Basic elements of stretch forming are shown in Figure 3705.03.01. During stretch forming, the sheet is clamped on two sides. As a result, the increase in the sheet surface area
due to the activation of the punch, is accompanied by a decrease in sheet thickness. A
tensile state of stress exists. The forming zone starts at the clamping grips and proceeds
to the punch middle. In order to ensure that, in spite of the hindering action of the friction, even this portion of the sheet is strained, it is desirable to keep the coefficient of
friction between sheet blank and punch low and to have a high strain hardening coefficient.

TALAT 3705

Stretch Forming

Sheet blank

Gripping jaws (clamps)

' Two-sided clamping

Stretching forming punch

' Due to rigid clamping, increase of surface compensated for by decrease in sheet thickness
with little participation of parts not under tension.
' The forming zone spreads out, starting from the end of the gripping jaw to the middle
of the forming punch.

Aims:
' As small a coefficient of friction as possible between sheet and forming punch.
' A high strain hardening coefficient n
Source: IFU Stuttgart
alu

3705.03.01

Stretch Forming

Training in Aluminium Application Technologies

Stretch Forming a Bulge with a Spherical Punch


Figure 3705.03.02: During the stretch forming of a bulge with a spherical punch the
blank is clamped firmly under the blankholder so that no material can flow in from the
flange to supply material for the increasing surface area during drawing. The enlargement of the hemispherical surface area can only be achieved by a decrease in sheet
thickness.

Mechanical drawing
FSt + FK

FSt + FK

Drawing ring

Blankholder

d0

FK
Drawing punch (forming block)

FK

FSt
- Clamping force FK prevents flowing-in of sheet
- All-around clamping
- Forming zone spreads out from clamping location to punch dome
- Increase of surface area compensated for only by decrease in thickness.
Aims: - rmin large
- r small
- n large
Coefficient of friction between sheet and punch should be kept small.

Source: IFU Stuttgart


alu
Training in Aluminium Application Technologies

TALAT 3705

Mechanical Drawing

3705.03.02

The forming zone starts at the clamping grips and proceeds to the spherical punch pole.
For this stretch forming process it is desirable to have as low a value of r as possible
and as high a value of rmin and strain hardening coefficient n as possible. The coefficient
of friction between sheet and punch should be kept low.

Strain-Path Curves for Mechanical Drawing


Stretch forming with a hemispherical punch
Lubricant: uncompounded oil 300 cSt/ 40C
50

point 18
point 15
point 12
point 9
point 6

40

P
FR
12
30

Tear depth 36.5 mm

15

1 [1]

15
Tear

20

12

6
18

10

18

36.5 mm

30 mm
20 mm
10 mm

0
0

10

20

Source: W.Karsunke
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Training in Aluminium Application Technologies

2 [1]

30

40

50

Strain-Path Curves for Mechanical Drawing

3705.03.03

Figure 3705.03.03 illustrates the traces of the principal strains at different locations of
the drawn bulge during stretch forming with a hemispherical punch. The traces of strain
from locations 9 and 12 approach the forming limit curve closest. Not surprisingly, tearing occurs at a location next to these points on the bulge.

Hydraulic Stretch Forming


During hydraulic drawing, the blank is clamped all around its edges so that the forming
zone is the portion within the drawing ring, see Figure 3705.03.04. Like in the previous
case, the increase in surface area has to be compensated for by a decrease in the sheet
thickness.
As far as the characteristic sheet values are concerned, large values for rmin and low
values for r are desirable. The strain hardening coefficient n should be as high as possible.

TALAT 3705

Hydraulic
drawing

FK + Fu

FK + Fu

d0

Drawing ring

Base plate

PHydr.

FN + Fu

Fu = PHydr.

FN + Fu

2
d0
4

- Clamping force FK prevents flowing-in of sheet


- All-around clamping
- Forming zone equal to sheet region included in drawing ring
- Increase of surface area compensated for only by decrease in thickness.
Aims:

large
small
large

- rmin
- r
-n

Source:IFU Stuttgart
alu

Hydraulic Drawing

Training in Aluminium Application Technologies

3705.03.04

Figure 3705.03.05 illustrates the traces of the principal strains at different locations on
the drawn part during hydraulic stretch forming. One notices that the differences between the individual measuring locations is much smaller than for mechanical buldge
drawing, indicating that the deformation strain is much more uniformly distributed over
the component.

Strain-Path Curves for Hydraulic Drawing


50

18

point 18
point 15
point 12
point 9
point 6

40
15

Tear

1 [1]

30

Tear depth 36.5 mm


15

12
12

20
9

18

36.5 mm

30 mm
20 mm

6
6

10

10 mm

0
0

10

Source: W.Karsunke
alu

20

2 [1]

30

40

Strain-Path Curves for Hydraulic Drawing

Training in Aluminium Application Technologies

TALAT 3705

50

3705.03.05

In Figure 3705.03.06, the principal strains g for mechanical and hydraulic drawing are
compared.

Comparison of the Principal Strains g


for Mechanical and Hydraulic Drawing
1.00

g [1]

0.80

10 cSt/40C
Stretch forming
100 cSt/40C with hemispherical
300 cSt/40C punch
hydraulic drawing

0.60

0.40

18

0.20
30 mm
1

35

1
5 10 15 18 20 25 30 35
Location of measuring points over hemisphere

100

Source: W.Karsunke
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Training in Aluminium Application Technologies

Comparison of the Principal Strains g


for Mechanical and Hydraulic Drawing

3705.03.06

Deep Drawing with a Hemispherical Punch


Figure 3705.03.07: In deep drawing with a hemispherical punch, the forming zone
covers the region between the flange outer edge and the location where the drawing part
leaves the drawing ring curvature. In contrast to stretch forming, the surface areas of the
blank and the drawn part are about the same, so that the sheet thickness remains almost
constant.
The blankholder force prevents the formation of type 1 folds. The base of the drawing
part is formed according to the principle of mechanical drawing.
As far as the characteristic sheet values are concerned, large values for rmin and low
values for r are desirable. The strain hardening coefficient n should be as high as possible.
The coefficients of friction for the combinations punch/lubricant/sheet, blankholder/
lubricant/sheet, drawing ring/lubricant/sheet and drawing ring rounding/lubricant/sheet
should be as low as possible.

TALAT 3705

10

Deep Drawing
with a
hemispherical punch

FSt + FN

FSt + FN

Drawing ring

d0
D

- blankholder force FN prevents


type 1 folds.

FN

FN

- Forming zone is the sheet area between


flange outer diameter (D = f(h))
and the location at which the sheet
leaves the drawing ring curvature (d0).
- Surface area of drawn part is
approximately equal to the surface area
of the original blank. Consequently,
sheet thickness is almost constant.
- Dome (bottom of part) is formed
by stretch forming

FSt
Aims: - rmin
- r
-n

Blankholder

Drawing punch

large
small
large

Coefficients of friction should be kept small


for the following combinations:
hemisspherical punch surface / lubricant / sheet,
blankholder / lubricant / sheet,
drawing ring / lubricant / sheet and
drawing ring rounding / lubricant / sheet.

Source: IFU Stuttgart


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Training in Aluminium Application Technologies

Deep Drawing with a Hemispherical Punch

3705.03.07

Deep Drawing and Stretch Forming


Figure 3705.03.08 shows two separate schematics for the comparison of the deep drawing and stretch forming processes for a flat bottomed cup.

Deep drawing and stretch forming

Deep drawing

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Training in Aluminium Application Technologies

TALAT 3705

Stretch forming

Deep Drawing and Stretch Forming

11

3705.03.08

Sheet metal parts with large surface areas are usually formed using a combination of
deep drawing and stretch forming.
A state of pure stretch forming exists only in very few cases. In such cases, the outer
edge of the blank is clamped so that the increase in surface area can only come out of
the sheet thickness.
Deep drawing is the other extreme in which the blankholder holds the sheet so that it
can flow in during forming. The sheet thickness remains approximately constant and the
surface areas of the shaped part and the starting blank are about the same.

Drawing Irregular Sheet Shapes of Large Areas


Two types of drawing beads are shown in the Figure 3705.03.09. The clamping beads
have a rectangular section and absolutely prevent any sheet material from flowing in.
Brake rolls serve only to create an additional forming work.

Drawing Irregular Sheet Shapes of Large Areas

Blank form

Drawing frame

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Drawing Irregular Sheet Shapes of Large Areas

Training in Aluminium Application Technologies

TALAT 3705

12

3705.03.09

3705.04 Possibilities of Controlling the Material Flow

In processes which are not purely deep drawing but consist instead of a combination of
deep drawing and stretch forming, it is necessary to control the flow of material under
the blankholder. This can be achieved using different methods, individually or in combinations.
Control of Material Flow under Blankholder

Control of material flow


under the blankholder

Blank form

Lubricant

Crimp

Influence of
frictional forces

Blankholder force
FN
drawing crimp

- type
- amount
- distribution

Draw path

clamping crimp

Source: IFU Stuttgart


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Training in Aluminium Application Technologies

Control of Material Flow Under Blankholder

3705.04.01

Figure 3705.04.01 shows a number of possibilities for controlling material flow under a
blankholder:
Blank form
Large sheet blank areas under the blankholder require large forming forces.
Lubricants
One method is to use a blank with nonuniform lubrication, i.e, different lubrication conditions at different locations of the blank, before drawing. Another method is to use a
blank with a uniform basic lubrication which is then locally enhanced at chosen places
by lubricating jets arranged in the tool, i.e., before each pressing stroke, an additional
local lubrication effect exists between sheet and work-piece.

TALAT 3705

13

Clamping crimps
Clamping crimps hinder the flowing in of the material to varying degrees, depending on
the form and size. It is thus possible to reduce the blankholder force, whereby the drawing force is increased.
Influencing the frictional forces
By regulating the blankholder force, it is possible to enhance or hinder the flow of material under it. This effect is obtained by locally varying the distance between blankholder
and drawing frame, so that higher contact pressures can be brought to bear where the
distance is smaller.
Another possibility of controlling the material flow and consequently the deformation
strain distribution during the drawing of irregular sheet shapes with varying draw
depths, is by using brake rolls and draw beads. These hinder the flow of material by
varying amounts, depending on their form and size. Again, it is possible to reduce the
blankholder force, whereby the drawing force increases.
As a result of the brake action of the draw beads, the material can no longer freely flow
over the draw ring radius into the draw gap during the forming process. Thus it is possible to reduce the stress differences between side walls and corner regions for complicated irregular shapes as well as for square shaped drawn parts.
By optimally arranging the draw beads, one can control the material flow to create a
uniform stress distribution such as occurs while fabricating cylindrical shapes. Brake
rolls and draw beads ensure that the resistance of material flow over the draw ring radius
into the draw gap varies locally, thus simulating the effect of increasing blankholder
pressure.
Depending on the design and arrangement in the tool, one can differentiate between
draw beads and brake rolls.
Draw beads are arranged at some distance from the drawing ring radius and cause, together with the die radius, a three-fold directional change of the sheet. Draw beads can
be arranged in both slanting and straight blankholder surfaces.
Brake rolls are arranged at the die shoulder and create a two-fold directional change of
the sheet material. Brake rolls in the draw ring are used mostly for round or oval sheet
shapes with a parabolic or similar casing form.

TALAT 3705

14

Arrangement of Draw Beads


Figure 3705.04.02 shows the arrangement of draw beads for a drawn carbody component.

Arrangement of draw beads


10

10

10

Source: IfU Stuttgart


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Training in Aluminium Application Technologies

Arrangement of Draw Beads

3705.04.02

3705.05 Adjusting the Die Cushion

Mechanical vs. Hydraulic Press Equipment


During drawing with a mechanical double-acting press (press with drawing punch ram
and blankholder ram), the blankholder can be locally adjusted at the four points under
the crank so that different contact pressures can be applied at the locations front left,
front right, rear left and rear right under the blankholder, Figure 3705.05.01. A regulation, if at all possible, can only be carried out as far as the pressure is concerned.
With the double-acting hydraulic press it is possible, without any great effort, to regulate
the blankholder force during the draw path at each corner point, since each corner point
has its own hydraulic cylinder.

TALAT 3705

15

Double action press

Single action press


with pneumatic drawing
equipment in the press table

Single action press


with hydraulic drawing
equipment in the press table

4x

~ 20 x
a) Ram b) Blankholder ram
c) Drawing punch
d) Blankholder
f) Mounting plate
g)Hydraulic cylinder h) Air-cushion pins

e) Counter pressure

Source: IFU Stuttgart


alu

Drawing Equipment

Training in Aluminium Application Technologies

3705.05.01

Four-Point Die Cushion

Four-point drawing equipment


press ram
tool top part
blank
bottom drawing frame
(blankholder)
drawing tool
tool plate
tool mounting plate
table plate
hydraulic cylinder (4x)
proportional valve

Source: IFU Stuttgart


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Training in Aluminium Application Technologies

TALAT 3705

Four-Point Drawing Equipment

16

3705.05.02

Figure 3705.05.02 together with the Figure 3705.05.01 illustrate that it is possible to
draw parts using a three-piece tool not only with a two-fold acting press but also with a
simple acting press. In these cases, the blankholder (lower drawing frame) is supported
on a drawing form plate (cushion) form with the help of a number of pressure bolts.
This drawing form plate is moved up and down or subjected to the blankholder force
with the help of pneumatic or hydraulic cylinders.
Desired and Actual Curves for Blankholder Force

Required curve

Actual curve

210

120

120 135
Source: IfU, Stuttgart
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Force [kN]

1000
900
800
700
600
500
400
300
200
100
0
1000
900
800
700
600
500
400
300
200
100
0

Force [kN]

Force [kN]

Force [kN]

When the top frame contacts the blank lying on the lower frame, an undesirable force
peak occurs, causing the lubricant film to break down, Figure 3705.05.03. In addition,
this causes an undesirable overloading of the tool and machine and is a cause of noise.
This undesirable force peak can be avoided by starting the drawing process with a lower
pressure in the cylinders and then increasing this pressure to a level which prevents the
formation of type-1 folds and allows the necessary material flow to be regulated.

1000
900
800
700
600
500
400
300
200
100
0
1000
900
800
700
600
500
400
300
200
100
0

Required curve

Actual curve

60

15

Ram path
before UT [mm]

210

120

60

15

Ram path
before UT [mm]

150

165

180
UT

Crank angle []

120

135

150

165

180
UT

Crank angle []

Desired and Actual Curves for Blankholder Force

3705.05.03

Training in Aluminium Application Technologies

Advantages of a Servo-Hydraulic Die Cushion in the Press Table


Figure 3705.05.04 summarises the advantages of a die cushion in the press table of a
simple acting press over the mechanical double acting press with a drawing ram and a
blankholder ram:
No overturning operations required between drawing press and trimming press
necessary.

TALAT 3705

17

Reduction of the force peaks during initial contact between the top frame and the
sheet blank lying on the bottom frame.
Control of the blankholder force, i.e., the material flow over the draw path.
Reproducible press operation

Advantages of a Servo Hydraulic Die Cushion


in the Press Table
A servo hydraulic die cushion in the press table of a simply acting press table
has following advantages over a two-fold acting mechanical press with drawing
ram and blankholder ram :
1. No overturning operations required between drawing press and trimming press.
2. Reduction of the force peak during contaction of the top frame and sheet blank
lying on the bottom frame.
3. Control of the blankholder force, i.e., the material flow over the draw path.
4. Reproducible press operation.

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Training in Aluminium Application Technologies

Advantages of a Servo Hydraulic Die Cushion


in the Press Table

3705.05.04

Four-Point Die Cushion in the Press Table

Four-point die cushion in the press table with


individually controlled and regulated hydraulic cylinders
Tool mounting
plate
Table plate
Hydraulic
cylinder
Proportional valve

Source: IFU Stuttgart


alu

Four-Point Die Cushion in the Press Table

Training in Aluminium Application Technologies

3705.05.05

The present trend is to produce large one-piece pressed shapes, e.g. complete automobile side walls. Conventional four-point die cushion is, however, unsuitable for large
parts. One method of developing the die cushion is the possibility of utilising many cylinders instead of four corner cylinders, Figure 3705.05.05. In order to prevent the regu-

TALAT 3705

18

lating and control mechanism from getting too complicated, the cylinders can be joined
together in groups which are controlled in unison.

Four-Point Die Cushion in the Press Table with Adjustable Spindle Sleeves
The Institut fr Umformtechnik (institute for forming technology) of the University of
Stuttgart and the company Maschinenfabrik Mller-Weingarten have developed an alternative method. In the construction shown in this Figure 3705.05.06 and Figure
3705.05.08, the force for the blankholder in the drawing frame is controlled by spindle
sleeves with integrated force gauges in which the spindle sleeves can be adjusted to different heights using a stored programme. The spindle sleeves are supported on a drawing cushion which can be regulated and controlled by four hydraulic cylinders.

Spindle sleeve (pressure bolt)


Table plate
Spindle sleeve (presssure bolt)
adjustment
Die cushion plate
Guide for due cushion plate

Hydraulic cylinder
Proportional valve

Source: IFU Stuttgart


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Training in Aluminium Application Technologies

Four-Point Die Cushion in a Press Table with


Adjustable Spindle Sleeves

3705.05.06

With this design it is possible to maintain the reliable adjustment of the force-path curve
for each corner cylinder. By choosing the spindle sleeve to be activated, an adjustment
can be made to suit the drawing frame form. The spindle sleeves not required can remain in their normal position. By choosing the optimal spindle sleeve lengths, the tool
can be elasticly bent to compensate for the flexure of the drawing frame and drawing
cushion plate as well as for regulating the material flow by locally adjusting the contact
pressure.

TALAT 3705

19

Functional Principle of a Spindle Sleeve Adjustment


Figure 3705.05.07: The adjustable spindle sleeves are supported against pressure
gauges fitted on the drawing cushion plate. The spindle sleeves are adjusted by hydro
motors, belt drive and spline shaft, whereby the height adjustment is recorded on a moment controller.
Functional principle of a spindle sleeve adjustment
Spindle sleeve (pressure bolt)
Table plate

Spindle sleeve adjusting spindle


Force gauge
Drawing cushion plate

Spline shaft

Toothed belt drive


Moment controller
Hydro motor
Source: IFU Stuttgart, Mller-Weingarten AG
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Training in Aluminium Application Technologies

Functional Principle of a Spindle Sleeve Adjustment

3705.05.07

Experimental Construction of a Single Action Hydraulic Press (10-Point)


Figure 3705.05.08 shows the experimental construction of a single action hydraulic
press with a 10-point die cushion in the press table. For details refer to Figure
3705.05.06.

Experimental Construction of a
Single Action Hydraulic Press (10-Point)
extension gauges for
punch force
measurement

inductive path gauge


with feeler pin for
folds measurement
extension gauges for
flexure measurement

spindle sleeves (10)


force gauge for
measuring
blankholder force
drawing tool
hydraulic die
cushion
press table
fixing elements

Source: IfU Stuttgart


alu
Training in Aluminium Application Technologies

TALAT 3705

Experimental Construction of a
Single Action Hydraulic Press (10-Point)

20

3705.05.08

Blankholder and Spindle Sleeve Forces


Figure 3705.05.09 shows the blankholder and spindle sleeve forces acting on the drawing cushion plate of a 10-point die cushion based on the principle of four corner point
cylinder forces Fvl (front left), Fvr (front right), Fhl (rear left) and Fhr (rear right). The
sum of these forces is equal to the sum of the active spindle sleeve forces FP1 to FP10.

Blankholder and spindle sleeve forces of a die


cushion plate of a 10-point drawing equipment
PN

Lower drawing frame

FP10

FP5

FP6 FP7

FP8

FP4

FP3

FP9
FP2

Fhl
Fvl

FP1

Fhr
Die cushion plate

Fvr

FVl......Fhr : Controllable and adjustable blankholder forces


FP1.....FP10: Adjustable spindle sleeve forces
Source: IFU Stuttgart
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Training in Aluminium Application Technologies

Blankholder and Spindle Sleeve Forces

3705.05.09

Force Displacement Curves


Figure 3705.05.10 shows the force-displacement curves of the total blankholder force
FNtot (upper diagram) as well as for the four different blankholder forces (Fvr, Fhr, Fvl,
Fhl), which were pre-set in a five-step rising gradient, over the full drawing path. Furthermore, it also shows the force-displacement curves for the four active spindle sleeves
( FP1, FP2, FP3, FP4) as a function of the drawing path. The formation of force peaks was
largely prevented by correctly pre-setting the individual force-displacement curves for
the four active spindles.

TALAT 3705

21

Force-Stroke Curves
Total blankholder force

Spindle sleeve force

FNges

800
kN

FP2

kN

FP9

200

FP4

100

FP7

600
50
400

100

150

mm

Blankholder force

200

kN

Fvr

200

Fhr

100

Fvl
Fhl

0
50

100

150

mm

200

200

50

100

Stroke

150

mm

200

Stroke

Source: IFU, Stuttgart


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Training in Aluminium Application Technologies

Force-Stroke Curves

3705.05.10

Figure 3705.05.11 shows the hydraulic simple-acting 4,000 kN press supplemented by a


10-point die cushion at the Institute of Forming Technology (IFU) of the University of
Stuttgart.

Hydraulic 4.000 kN
Sheet Forming Press
at the
Institut fr Umformtechnik,
University of Stuttgart

Source: Mller-Weingarten Co.


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Hydraulic 4.000 kN Sheet Forming Press

Training in Aluminium Application Technologies

TALAT 3705

22

3705.05.11

The characteristics of a multi-point die cushion in the press table of a simple-acting


press with respect to the drawing process are summarised in Figure 3705.05.12.

Four-Point Die Cushion in the Press Table


of a Simple Acting Press
' Force application to the blankholder can be adjusted to be
most suitable for the tool.
' Material flow controlled by a defined elastic flexure of the
blankholder using a stored programmable height adjustment
of the spindle sleeves.
' Control and regulation of the blankholder force over the
stroke using four hydraulic cylinders and the proportional
valve technology.
' Reproducible operational behaviour of the die cushion.

alu
Training in Aluminium Application Technologies

Four-Point Die Cushion in the Press Table of a


Simple Acting Press

3705.05.12

Figure 3705.05.13 gives an example of a lower drawing frame.

Lower drawing frame ( I )

840

1700

Source: IFU Stuttgart


alu
Training in Aluminium Application Technologies

TALAT 3705

Lower Drawing Frame ( I )

23

3705.05.13

Demonstration Case of the Multi-Point Drawing Arrangement


Figure 3705.05.14 shows the lower drawing frame with a four-point force transmission
for the forming of a rectangular cup. The flexural elastic deformation of this four-point
drawing frame can of course be simulated by FE-calculations.

Lower Drawing Frame (II)

Source: IFU Stuttgart


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Lower Drawing Frame (II)

Training in Aluminium Application Technologies

3705.05.14

1200

Tears
KN
FP6

FP7

FP8

FP9

FP10

1000
900

FP5

800

Total blankholder force

FP4

FP3

uniform
force level

FP2

FP1

Extension
of the
working
range

optimal spindle
sleeve height

700
600
500
400

Working range
for good parts

300
200
100
0

Type 1 folds
0

20

40

60

80

100

120

140 mm 180

punch stroke

Source: IfU Stuttgart


alu

Optimal Working Range for Deep Drawing

Training in Aluminium Application Technologies

3705.05.15

Figure 3705.05.15 shows that the working range for deep drawing can be extended considerably by the adjustment of the local blankholder pressure with the aid of the spindle

TALAT 3705

24

sleeves in a multi-point die cushion. The necessary adjustment of the blankholder force
distribution depends on the specific tool geometry and can be determined for each drawing tool. The lower limit of the working range is a consequence of the formation of
type 1 folds in the draw part flange. The upper limit of the working range is a consequence of the formation of tears in the region of the drawn part body. This working
range has to be determined anew for each sheet-lubricant combination.
With an optimal adjustment of the spindle sleeves in a multiple point die cushion, it is
possible to widen the working range for deep drawing and increase the draw depth.

3705.06 Tool Materials for Drawing of Aluminium Sheet Metal Parts

Tool Materials
Figure 3705.06.01 lists typical tool materials for drawing automotive steel and aluminium sheet metal parts. As in the case of steel, the drawing tools for aluminium are of
grey cast iron quality. Experience has shown, however, that the surfaces of such materials are not suitable for forming aluminium. The materials 1.0443 (GS 45) as well as
1.2769 (GS 45 Cr Ni Mo 4 2) are more suitable, since better surface finishes can be obtained, which in turn reduce the tendency for wear and cold weld adhesion. The aluminium bronze AMPCO also has very good gliding properties.

Tool Materials
Steel sheet:
0.6025 (GG 25 Cr Mo)
1.2080 (X 210 Cr 12)
1.2379 (X 155 Cr V Mo 12 1)

Aluminium:
1.0443 (Gs 45)
1.2769 (G 45 Cr Ni Mo 42)

The tool materials listed for aluminium allow a better surface finishing
so that the tendency for cold welding is reduced.
Source: Haller
alu
Training in Aluminium Application Technologies

TALAT 3705

Tool Materials

25

3705.06.01

Surface Coatings for Drawing Tools


Surface treatments are being increasingly used to improve the wear resistance and to
prevent or reduce the possibility of cold welding as well as to improve the gliding characteristics. In addition to the classical processes of hardening, case hardening, nitriding,
boriding and hard chromium plating, there is an increasing tendency to use hard compound layers based on titanium nitride (TiN) and titanium carbide (TiC). Such layers are
applied using either the chemical vapour deposition (CVD) or the physical vapour deposition (PVD) process, see Figure 3705.06.02. Coatings deposited using the PVD process are gaining in popularity, since the process reaction temperature of maximum 550
C is far below the tempering temperature of the tool steel used.

Surface Treatment Processes


PowderSalt bath
Nitriding
(Nitrocarburising)
Reaction
layers

Powder-

Boriding

PastesVanadising
Ion implanting

Coatings

GasPlasma-

TD process
VD process
mainly N

Applied
layers

Hard chromium
plating
CVD process

W2C
TiC
TiN
TiC + TiN
CrxCy

PVD process
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Training in Aluminium Application Technologies

Surface Treatment Processes

TiN

3705.06.02

Through the use of coatings, it is possible to utilise the properties of both the protective
coating and the base material. The protective coating increases the wear resistance and
the base material absorbs the mechanical stresses without affecting the coating.

TALAT 3705

26

3705.07 Examples

Figure 3705.07.01: CAD depiction of a coup door planking

CAD illustration of a coup door planking

Source: IfU Stuttgart


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CAD Illustration of a Coup Door Planking

Training in Aluminium Application Technologies

3705.07.01

Figure 3705.07.02: Designing surfaces

Designing surfaces

Source: IfU Stuttgart


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Designing Surfaces

Training in Aluminium Application Technologies

TALAT 3705

27

3705.07.02

Figure 3705.07.03: CAD depiction of edge "B" of the drawing punch surface

CAD illustration of edge ''B''


of the drawing punch surface

Source: IfU Stuttgart


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CAD Illustration of edge ''B'' of the Drawing Punch Surface

Training in Aluminium Application Technologies

3705.07.03

Figure 3705.07.04: Considering springback in the design

Considering springback in the design

Source: IfU Stuttgart


alu
Training in Aluminium Application Technologies

Considering Springback in the Design

3705.07.04

The a.m. Figures are all examples of computer assisted designing of body parts.

TALAT 3705

28

3705.08 List of Figures

Figure No. Figure Title (Overhead)


3705.01.01 Forecast for the Year 2000
3705.02.01
3705.02.02
3705.02.03
3705.02.04
3705.03.01
3705.03.02
3705.03.03
3705.03.04
3705.03.05
3705.03.06

Influence of Cold Work and Simulated Lacquer Stoving on Yield


Strength
Effect of r-Value on Yield Locus
Elongation Values for AlMgSi1-ka in Polar Coordinates
Vertical Anisotropy r for AlMg5Mn-w as a Function of Rolling Direction

3705.03.07
3705.03.08
3705.03.09

Stretch Forming
Mechanical Drawing
Strain-Path Curves for Mechanical Drawing
Hydraulic Drawing
Strain-Path Curves for Hydraulic Drawing
Comparison of the Principal Strains g for Mechanical and Hydraulic
Drawing
Deep Drawing with a Hemispherical Punch
Deep Drawing and Stretch Forming
Drawing Irregular Sheet Shapes of Large Areas

3705.04.01
3705.04.02

Control of Material Flow under Blankholder


Arrangement of Draw Beads

3705.05.01
3705.05.02
3705.05.03
3705.05.04
3705.05.05
3705.05.06
3705.05.07
3705.05.08
3705.05.09
3705.05.10
3705.05.11
3705.05.12
3705.05.13
3705.05.14
3705.05.15

Drawing Equipment
Four-Point Drawing Equipment
Desired and Actual Curves for Blankholder Force
Advantages of a Servo Hydraulic Die Cushion in the Press Table
Four-Point Die Cushion in the Press Table
Four-Point Die Cushion in a Press Table with Adjustable Spindle Sleeves
Functional Principle of a Spindle Sleeve Adjustment
Experimental Construction of a Simple Acting Hydraulic Press (10Point))
Blankholder and Spindle Sleeve Forces
Force-Stroke Curves
A Hydraulic 4,000 kN Sheet Forming Press
Four-Point Die Cushion in the Press Table of a Simple Acting Press
Lower Drawing Frame (I))
Lower Drawing Frame (II)
Optimal Working Range for Deep Drawing

3705.06.01

Tool Materials

TALAT 3705

29

Figure No. Figure Title (Overhead)


3705.06.02 Surface Treatment Processes
3705.07.01
3705.07.02
3705.07.03
3705.07.04

TALAT 3705

CAD Illustration of a Coup Door Planking


Designing Surfaces
CAD Illustration of Edge "B" of the Drawing Punch Surface
Considering Springback in the Design

30

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