Two-Step Press Forming for Curved Hat-Section Warpage Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing press forming methods for vehicle body components with hat-shaped cross-sectional shapes and curved parts suffer from issues of warpage and torsion due to springback, leading to poor dimensional accuracy, especially when using high tensile strength steel.

Innovation Solution

A two-step press forming process using a shape correction die that adjusts the angles and radii of curvature of vertical wall parts relative to the top sheet part to correct warpage and torsion, employing different die configurations for lifted and dropped end portions to suppress longitudinal warpage and torsion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If high tensile strength steel is used to reduce vehicle body weight and improve collision safety, then strength is improved, but ductility deteriorates causing cracks to occur easily

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetensile strengthVSAvoidcrack resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by performing shape correction in advance through a two-step press forming process. The first step corrects the cross-sectional shape while the second step corrects longitudinal warpage and torsion before final assembly, preventing crack occurrence in high tensile strength steel components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Strength

If high tensile strength steel is used, then strength is improved, but dimensional accuracy deteriorates due to wrinkles and springback

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetensile strengthVSAvoiddimensional accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the press forming process into two distinct steps: first forming for cross-sectional shape and second forming for longitudinal shape correction. This segmentation allows targeted correction of different deformation modes, improving dimensional accuracy while maintaining high strength

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary shape correction in the first forming step to establish the cross-sectional geometry, then performs additional correction in the second step for longitudinal warpage and torsion, achieving high dimensional accuracy through staged intervention

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Device complexity

If a single-step press forming method is used, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to warpage and torsion in elongated components

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveforming process complexityVSAvoiddimensional accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the forming process into two steps with different die configurations: first forming for cross-sectional shape and second forming for longitudinal correction. This segmentation enables precise control of warpage and torsion in elongated components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by using different die configurations for different regions and stages: the first die for cross-sectional forming and the second die with different configuration for longitudinal warpage and torsion correction, optimizing each step for its specific function

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

4Reliability

If flange parts are bent to reduce torsion stress, then reliability is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to insufficient effect on longitudinal warpage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetorsion resistanceVSAvoidlongitudinal warpage control
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the correction functions: the first forming step addresses cross-sectional shape and torsion through flange bending, while the second forming step specifically addresses longitudinal warpage and torsion, achieving comprehensive dimensional control

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes forming parameters between steps: the first forming uses parameters optimized for cross-sectional shape and torsion reduction, while the second forming uses different parameters optimized for longitudinal warpage and torsion correction

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

The method effectively suppresses warpage and torsion in formed products, enhancing dimensional accuracy and stability of components with hat-shaped cross-sectional shapes and curved parts.

Implementation Method 1

springback (elastic recovery)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic recovery: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

the cross section is changed due to the springback (elastic recovery)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpringback: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3974078B1Method for manufacturing pressed component
Publication Date: 2026.03.25 JFE STEEL CORP
  • EP3974078B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1C
  • EP3974078B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3974078B1 patent drawingFigure 4A~4D

AI summary

Warpage or torsion in a longitudinal direction is suppressed when an elongated curved component is manufactured by press forming. A method for manufacturing a pressed component includes a first step (2) of press forming a metal sheet (1) in a desired component shape using a first die, and a second step (3) of press forming a formed product (10) using a second die after the first step (2). In the second step (3), a cross section of a bent part (10D) and a vertical wall part (10B) are controlled to be opened depending on warpage at longitudinal end portions of the component by elastic recovery due to release from the first die, thereby suppressing the warpage.