Simulation and Experiment on Workability for Cold Pressure Forming of Sheet Metal Part with Step Cross-section

In modern manufacturing, a new type of sheet metal part with step cross-section in both inner hole and outer edge is proposed. The traditional stamping separating processes can only produce sheet metal part with vertical cross-section. According to the latest developing theory and potential of cold pressure forming: combination of pressure and cold forging, a new flow control forming of sheet metal(FCF) is excogitated based on blanking process of general stamping and combined with cold forging processes such as extrusion and coining, etc, which is aiming at the above-mentioned new type of sheet metal part. With utilization of this new process, the new type of sheet metal parts can be manufactured. In order to shorten the testing period, the numerical simulation was carried out by using DEFORM-3D software, and both deformation and mechanics rules were analyzed. Based on the simulation, both punching part and blanked parts of this new type were successfully developed. Then a new conception of optimal distance between the step walls of inner hole and outside edge was proposed and the design principle for its numerical value was inferred. Furthermore, a mold set for combination of stamping & cold forging was designed and manufactured, by which the technologic experiments were taken for validation with Aluminum plate of thickness 2.35 mm for power battery cover board, which verified the principle of the distance between the step walls. The research of cold pressure forming of thin sheet metal with step cross-section is significant, not only to the development of modern mechanical manufacture, but also to metal plastic forming science.