A new definition of shape complexity factor in forging

Abstract

One of the main objectives of forging process design is to ensure adequate metal flow in the dies so that the desired finished part geometry can be obtained without any internal or external defects. This paper presents a preform design method which employs a new criterion based on shape complexity factor to determine the necessity of preform stages for axisymmetric forging parts. The presented criterion was tested on several examples using finite element method to verify the models. Comparison of the new shape complexity factor with the other ones shows that the new criterion is more accurate in estimating the number of preform stages. © 2007 American Institute of Physics.