HPPMS-CrAIN coatings for the dry forming of steel

 

Today, energy and resource efficiency is one of the most important properties a manufacturing process should have. Cold forging offers very high material utilization with low energy consumption at the same time. Furthermore, components produced by cold forging, such as drive shafts, have a high economic relevance. However, the processes are subject to high tribological loads, which so far can only be countered with lubricants. For economic and legal reasons, the use of lubricants is questionable. From an ecological point of view, a reduction in the use of lubricants and the use of environmentally friendly lubricants are also indispensable. However, this means higher loads on the tools and the associated higher wear and a reduction in economic efficiency.

For this reason, the aim of this research project is to influence the tribological system by means of newly developed self-lubricating tool coatings and structured workpieces in such a way that a dry forming process is possible. So far, dry forming has been investigated to a marginal extent in forming technology. For this reason, it is necessary to investigate the interactions between structures on semi-finished products and a self-lubricating tool coating and to enable dry forming by explaining the cause-effect relationships.

In cooperation with the Surface Engineering Institute IOT of RWTH Aachen University, the first phase of the priority program SPP1676 of the German Research Foundation (DFG) aims to investigate the basic physical, chemical and thermal mechanisms of action of such a tribological system and to further develop it in the further program phases up to industrial suitability.