Title: Die-punch alignment and its effect on the thinning pattern in the square-shaped deep drawing of aluminium alloy

Authors: H. Vairavan; A.B. Abdullah

Addresses: School of Mechanical Engineering, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Engineering Campus, 14300 Nibong Tebal, Penang, Malaysia ' School of Mechanical Engineering, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Engineering Campus, 14300 Nibong Tebal, Penang, Malaysia

Abstract: This study investigates the pattern of thinning in the square-shaped deep drawing of aluminium alloy by focusing on the die-punch alignment. The thickness measurements of the drawn blank are obtained by analysing the images obtained from the Alicona Infinite System, a commercial 3D non-contact surface measurement system. The thinning pattern is then mapped on the basis of the measurements made on a few locations along the drawn blank cross-sectional profile. Results show that misalignments may cause unbalanced thickness, thus leading to the premature failure of the blank. Furthermore, misalignments also increase the load required for the drawing process.

Keywords: deep drawing; square shapes; die-punch alignment; thinning patterns; aluminium alloys; thickness measurements; blank failure; load increase.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMPT.2017.080565

International Journal of Materials and Product Technology, 2017 Vol.54 No.1/2/3, pp.147 - 164

Received: 14 Jul 2015
Accepted: 28 Oct 2015
Published online: 30 Nov 2016 *

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