Tribology in Sheet Metal Forming: A Modification of Tribometer for Strip Drawing Test

Abstract

In the pursuit to produce the best product at the lowest cost, much can be done to reduce the cost of production. One of these methods, which is nowadays inseparable from the development part of production, is numerical simulation. However, the real world cannot be accurately modelled. The use of simplified models for numerical simulation can lead to different results between reality and simulation. One of these models is a coefficient of friction used in sheet metal forming simulations. Nowadays modern simulation software used for simulating the sheet metal forming process uses simplified model of friction coefficient using variables including surface roughness, topography, lubrication, and others. One of the variables not included in these models is temperature. In deep drawing, temperatures of sheet metal can be over 120 °C. Temperature can greatly change tribological properties, thus changing the friction between the tool and the sheet metal. The aim of this paper is to review a method of measurement of tribological properties in sheet metal forming and to design a modified tribometer for strip drawing test, focusing on the effect of temperature on tribological properties, predominantly for materials used in the automotive industry.