Material processing by differential heating and simple pressing

Abstract

An investigation of a new forming method for the production of complex geornetries is presented. The deformation is effected by the use of simple tools in a fleshless type operation where local heating is applied to the billet surface or volume thus allowing maximum deformation to occur where required. The technique is applied to cylindrical steel billets for the production of symmetrical flanges at the periphery of the workpiece and unsymmetrical local deformation on the surface of the billet. Also, compound flow problems are simulated using aluminium billets integrated with plasticine. The results show that the lateral profile is affected by the level of heating and that local deformation is greater at areas where the material flow stress is reduced. The process is potentially attractive for the production of near net shape complex parts and preforms for the forging industry.