Study of the punch–die clearance influence on the sheared edge quality of thick sheets

• Published in: International journal of advanced manufacturing technology 2013-03, Vol.65 (1-4), p.451-457
• Main Authors: Soares, J. A., Gipiela, M. L., Lajarin, S. F., Marcondes, P. V. P.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: CAE) and Design; Clearances; Computer simulation; Computer-Aided Engineering (CAD; Crack propagation; Dies; Engineering; Industrial and Production Engineering; Mechanical Engineering; Media Management; Metal sheets; Original Article; Process parameters; Punching
• ISSN: 0268-3768; 1433-3015
• DOI: 10.1007/s00170-012-4184-2

Sheet metal punching is an important industrial process for forming mechanical parts. Aimed at generating holes on thick sheets, punching process has been considered as a promising solution for the heavy industrial sector. The correct punching parameters choice has a direct influence on the hole quality. Since there exists rarely an analytical expression describing the relationships between these process parameters, the forming variable choice follows a series of costly try-and-error procedures on the workshop floor. The numerical simulation is a powerful tool that helps the forming engineers at the try-and-error procedures. This work shows the possibility of using FE-simulations to reduce the number of experiments that has to be conducted propitiating an increased understanding concerning some punching process parameters influence. The aim is the study of the clearance influence on the punched holes quality, 8 mm LNE38 sheet metal. Clearances of 0.2% up to 15% between the punch and die were analyzed. The influence of the punch–die clearance on the crack propagation was also analyzed, and the results were in agreement with the literature, i.e., good results for gaps within the traditional ideal range and occurrence of burr for clearance of 15%.