In this paper, a design method for an intermediate die was developed to manufacture a hollow linear motion guide rail in mandrel drawing process based on virtual die method and backward tracing scheme. FE simulations and mandrel drawing experiments using Mn55Cr carbon steel were performed to prove the effectiveness of the proposed design method. Results of FE simulations and experiments showed that the proposed design method could lead to drawn products with sound shape and the highest dimensional precision.

Multi-pass shape drawing is used to manufacture long products of arbitrary cross-sectional shapes. This process allows smooth surface finishes and closely controlled dimensions of the cross-sectional shape. Tube shape drawing for hollow type products provides material savings and weight reduction. The intermediate die shapes are very important in multi-pass tube shape drawing. In the current paper, the design method for the intermediate dies in a tube shape drawing process is developed using a die offset for corner filling (DOCF) method. Underfill defects are related to the radial velocity distribution of each divided section in the deformation zone. The developed intermediate die shape design was applied to the two-pass tube shape drawing with fixed mandrel for manufacturing a hollow linear motion (LM) guide rail. The proposed design method led to uniform and steady metal flow at each divided section. FE-simulations and experiments were conducted to validate the effectiveness of the proposed method in multi-pass tube shape drawing process.