An experimental and numerical investigation of the effect of macro-textured tool surfaces in hot stamping

This paper presents a method of increasing draw-ability of materials in hot stamping processes using forming tools with macro-scale textures on the tool surfaces. Firstly, a series of tool texture designs and orientations were presented and a test programme was designed for the experimental investigation. Top-hat shape drawing experiments in cold and hot stamping conditions were conducted to evaluate the effect of macro-scale tool surface textures on the material drawing. Texture directional and texture feature effects of the blankholders on the draw-ability of the material have been investigated. A finite element model of the top-hat drawing process with textured tool surfaces has been established and validated from experimental data. Further FE process modelling has been carried out and the effects of texture features and forming speed have been studied. The relationships between texture designs and material drawing results have been analysed. The developed FE model can provide a guide to design the geometry of tool textures and optimise the hot stamping process parameters.