Hot Forging Workpiece Pre-Positioning to Reduce Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
In existing hot forming processes, workpieces cool down due to prolonged contact with forming tools, affecting the forming result and workpiece quality.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that minimizes the contact time between the workpiece and tools by positioning the workpiece in a pre-position away from the tools before forming, using a handling device with a gripper system and manipulator, and employing elastic decoupling to reduce heat transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the workpiece is held in contact with the forming tool during the working stroke, then the workpiece can be properly positioned and formed, but the workpiece cools down locally or completely, adversely affecting forming result and workpiece quality
Solution Approach 1:
The handling device positions the workpiece in a pre-position within the working stroke path before the actual forming operation begins. This preliminary positioning allows the workpiece to be in the correct location without prolonged contact with the forming tool, thereby maintaining temperature while ensuring proper forming position is achieved.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the workpiece position during the working stroke. The handling device moves the workpiece to a pre-position that is spaced from the forming tool during the approach phase, then allows contact during the actual forming moment. This dynamic positioning resolves the contradiction between needing contact for forming precision and avoiding contact to maintain temperature.
2Productivity
If the workpiece is positioned close to or on the forming tool, then forming can be performed efficiently, but heat transfers from the workpiece to the tool, causing workpiece cooling and potential tool heating
Solution Approach 1:
The workpiece is pre-positioned within the working stroke path before the forming tool reaches it. This preliminary action allows the forming operation to proceed efficiently without requiring the workpiece to be in continuous contact with the tool, thereby reducing heat transfer while maintaining productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The handling device acts as an intermediary that controls the interaction between the workpiece and forming tool. It positions the workpiece optimally in space and time, allowing contact only when necessary for forming, thus mediating the heat transfer issue while maintaining forming efficiency.
3Manufacturing precision
If the workpiece is held by the handling device during the entire working stroke, then the workpiece can be precisely positioned, but the handling device may interfere with the forming process and reduce forming speed
Solution Approach 1:
The handling device dynamically releases the workpiece at the optimal moment during the working stroke. It holds the workpiece during the approach phase for precise positioning, then releases it when the forming tool is in position, allowing the forming operation to proceed at full speed without handling device interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The handling device performs the positioning action in advance during the approach phase, so that when the forming operation begins, the workpiece is already in the correct position and the handling device can withdraw or release, avoiding interference with the high-speed forming process.
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
Reduces workpiece cooling and heat input into tools, leading to improved forming results and tool durability.
Implementation Method 1
The damper element dampens the shocks and vibrations occurring during forming, so that they cannot propagate from the gripper system to the manipulator
Implementation Method 2
the gripper system and the manipulator are elastically decoupled via an elastic element, in particular a damper element
Implementation Method 3
the workpiece held in the forming position is in contact with the forming tool for a comparatively long time, which can cause the workpiece to cool locally
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
The invention relates to a device and a method for hot forming, in particular forging, of a workpiece (8). The process is provided that a) the workpiece (8) is formed in a forming operation during a working stroke (H) in a working space (A) of two converging tools (4, 6) of a forming machine (1), and b) the workpiece (8) is held in a forming position (U) located in the working space (A) by means of a handling device (7) during the forming operation, wherein c) the handling device (7) pre-positions the workpiece (8) in the working space (A) in a predetermined pre-position (V) spaced apart from the tools (4, 6) before the forming operation, and wherein d1) the workpiece (8) pre-positioned in the pre-position (V) is moved from the pre-position (V) to the forming position (U) by a tool (4) which is moved along a tool movement axis (W) to the forming position (U) during the working stroke (H).and/or d2) the workpiece (8) pre-positioned in the pre-position (V) is moved by the handling device (7) to the forming position (U) in a movement synchronous with a tool (4) moving in the working stroke (H) along a tool movement axis (W) to the forming position (U).