The study presents the effect of annealing process parameters on the microstructure, hardness, and strain-hardening coefficients, that is, the strength coefficient c and the strain-hardening exponent n, of 42CrMo4 steel. Seven selected annealing time–temperature schemes are examined for superior steel formability in cold metal forming conditions. The c and n coefficients are first determined in experimental upsetting of annealed samples and then used in FEM (finite element method) simulations of the upsetting process. The results demonstrate that the strain-hardening coefficients (c and n) depend on the employed annealing scheme. Compared with the as-received sample, the annealing process reduces the true stress and effectively decrease the hardness of 42CrMo4 steel; improves microstructural spheroidization; and, consequently, facilitates deformability of this material. The annealing schemes, relying on heating the material to 750 °C and its subsequent slow cooling, lead to the highest decrease in hardness ranging from 162 to 168 HV. The results obtained with the SEM-EDS (scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive spectrometer), LOM (light optical microscopy), and XRD (X-ray diffraction) methods lead to the conclusion that the employed heat treatment schemes cause the initial ferritic-pearlitic microstructure to develop granular and semi-lamellar precipitation of cementite enriched with Mo and Cr in the ferrite matrix. In addition, the annealing process affects the growth of α-Fe grains. The highest cold hardening rate, and thus formability, is obtained for the annealing scheme producing the lowest hardness. The results of FEM simulations are positively validated by experimental results. The obtained results are crucial for further numerical simulations and experimental research connected with developing new cold metal forming methods for producing parts made of 42CrMo4 steel.

This paper presents the results of a numerical analysis of a cold forging process for a hollow flanged part. The analysis was performed using Deform 2D/3D. 42CrMo4 steel tubes were used as the billet material, and their material model in the annealed state was described by a constitutive...

The paper presents the numerical and experimental results of a new method for producing flanges on hollow parts. With this new method, the flange is extruded by a movable sleeve. This innovative technique is modelled numerically by the finite element method. The effect of workpiece and finished product geometries on the forming process is investigated and failure modes are identfied. The numerical reults are then verified in experiments. The tests are conducted using a three-slide forging press equipped with a special device. The numerical and experimental results show a good agreement, which proves that the developed method is correct.

Purpose: The aim of this study is to develop a die forging process for producing aircraft components made of magnesium alloy AZ61A using a screw press. Design/methodology/approach: The proposed forging technique has been developed based on the results of a numerical and experimental research. The required forging temperature has been determined by upsetting cylindrical specimens on a screw press to examine both plasticity of the alloy and the quality of its microstructure. The next stage involved performing numerical simulations of the designed forging processes for producing forgings of a door handle and a bracket, both made of magnesium alloy AZ61A. The finite element method based on simulation programme, Deform 3D has been used for numerical modelling. The numerical results revealed that the forgings are free from material overheating and shape defects. In addition to this, the results have also helped determine the regions that are the most prone to cracking. The final stage of the research involved performing forging tests on a screw press under industrial conditions. The forgings of door handles and brackets were made, and then these were tested for their mechanical and structural properties. The results served as a basis for assessing both the viability of the designed technique and the quality of the produced parts. Findings: The experimental results demonstrate that aircraft components made of magnesium alloy AZ61A can be produced by die forging on screw presses. The results have been used to determine the fundamental parameters of the process such as the optimum forging temperature, the method of tool heating, the way of cooling parts after the forging process, and the method of thermal treatment. The results of the mechanical and structural tests confirm that the products meet the required quality standards. Practical implications: The developed forging technique for alloy AZ61A has been implemented by the forging plant ZOP Co. Ltd in Swidnik (Poland), which specializes in the manufacturing of aircraft components made of non-ferrous metal alloys. Originality/value: Currently, the global tendency is to forge magnesium alloys (including alloy AZ61A) on free hydraulic presses using expensive die-heating systems. For this reason, the production efficiency of such forging processes is low, while the manufacturing costs are high. The proposed forging technique for alloy AZ61A is an innovative method for producing forgings using relatively fast and efficient machines (screw presses). The proposed forging method can be implemented by forging plants equipped with standard stocks of tools, which increases the range of potential manufacturers of magnesium alloy products. In addition, this technology is highly efficient and ensures reduced manufacturing costs.