Sheet metal materials can reach their ultimate strength quickly, especially in multi-stage cold forming processes. This limits the forming production of components with demanding geometries. For components requiring a high degree of forming, multi-stage cold forming processes are difficult or even impossible to realize due to strain hardening.
The project focuses on the development of a novel methodology for superimposing electrical impulses and mechanical vibrations on a forming process (stamping). By the combined application of impulse treatment and vibration superimposition, a process strategy is being developed that should lead to a reduction in plastic work and a better surface quality. In the project, the influences of the two process modifications on the forming of a corrosion-resistant chromium-nickel steel are first considered separately. This is followed by an investigation of the superposition of the two variants to determine the best possible process parameter combinations. The experiments are accompanied by in-depth microstructure characterizations to identify the mechanisms involved. As demonstrator geometry, a finned structure is chosen, as it is used in industry for fine structures in cooling applications.