Forming Tool Temperature Zones for High Strength Steel

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing forming tools for high and very high strength steels lack precise control over blank temperature during the forming process, leading to suboptimal forming properties and increased wear.

Innovation Solution

A forming tool with controllable temperature zones and sensors for precise temperature monitoring, combined with heating and cooling systems, allows for precise temperature control and adjustment of cooling rates, enabling optimal process parameters and microstructure manipulation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If a forming tool with tempering means is used, then the forming tool can be tempered to maintain forming capabilities, but precise control of blank temperature during forming cannot be achieved

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveblank temperature controlVSAvoidtemperature monitoring precision

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The forming tool is divided into multiple temperature zones (first temperature zone, second temperature zone, third temperature zone) with independent temperature control. Each zone has its own heating means and temperature sensors, allowing precise localized temperature monitoring and control during the forming process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Temperature sensors are integrated into each temperature zone to provide real-time temperature feedback. The control system uses this feedback to adjust heating means and cooling means, maintaining precise temperature control of the blank throughout the forming process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Productivity

If contact surfaces of forming tool elements are used for forming, then forming operations can be performed, but wear occurs at the contact surfaces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveforming operation capabilityVSAvoidforming tool life

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The temperature of contact surfaces is precisely controlled by dividing the forming tool into multiple temperature zones with independent control. By optimizing the temperature parameters at contact surfaces, material properties during forming are improved and tool wear is reduced

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

Different temperature zones are assigned to different regions of the forming tool based on local requirements. Contact surfaces experience optimized temperatures specifically tailored to reduce wear while maintaining forming capabilities

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Strength

If cooling rates are increased to improve strength, then martensitic microstructure is achieved, but forming properties deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvematerial strengthVSAvoidforming properties

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The blank is heated to austenitic temperature before forming, preparing the material with optimal forming properties. This preliminary heating action enables subsequent rapid cooling to achieve high strength while maintaining ease of forming

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The forming process involves periodic temperature changes: heating to austenitic temperature, forming at elevated temperature, then rapid cooling. This periodic thermal action achieves both good forming properties and high final strength

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This solution minimizes tool wear, allows for precise control of material properties, and achieves improved mechanical strength and elongation values by adjusting temperature zones and surface pressures, optimizing the microstructure of the formed blanks.

Implementation Method 1

the blank is heated at least to austenitizing temperature

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeating: Heating

Implementation Method 2

followed by a rapid cooling of the blank, such that the austenitic microstructure of the blank is converted into a martensitic microstructure

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRapid cooling: Cooling

Implementation Method 3

a plurality of temperature zones can be tempered in the forming tool... sensors for temperature measurement

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTemperature detection: Thermocouple

Implementation Method 4

means for tempering further include heating cartridges, heating coils, heating wires

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Data Source

PatentUS9068239B2Device and method for the forming of blanks from high and very high strength steels

Publication Date: 2015.06.30 THYSSENKRUPP STEEL EUROPE AG PATENTE PATENT DEPARTMENT

AI summary

A forming tool and a method for the press-hardening and tempered forming of a blank from high and/or very high strength steels are provided, in which the blank is heated before the tempered forming and then formed hot or semi-hot in a forming tool, wherein the forming tool has means for tempering. This is achieved in that the forming tool makes precisely defined temperature guidance of the blank during forming, and in that a plurality of controllable means are provided in the forming tool for tempering the forming tool, by which a plurality of temperature zones can be tempered in the forming tool, wherein at least contact surfaces of forming tool elements used for the tempered forming are allocated to individual temperature zones.