Die profile optimization for forging constant velocity joint casings

Abstract

This paper presents the results of a search for an optimal shape of the die for forging CVJ (constant velocity joint) casings. The aim of the optimization was to increase tool life by reducing the pressures acting on the die. Therefore the minimization of the forging force was adopted as the optimization criterion. In order to verify the optimization results, the graphs of the calculated forging forces were compared with the real forging force registered by a dedicated measuring & archiving system. Then new dies with the optimal shape obtained from the numerical modelling were made and used in the industrial forging process. It was found that the maximum forging force values for the optimized dies were by about 10-15% lower than the ones for the dies with the original shape, which indicates an increase in die durability.