Macro and Micro structures for tools for lubricant-free forming

In metal forming, lubricants still have to be used to prevent corrosion, to reduce friction, wear and tool load, as well as to protect workpieces and intermediates. In economic and geo-ecological point of view, the challenge is the avoidance of lubricant usage. The central contribution of this SPP-program is to develop new lubricant-free forming processes, as well as the adaptation of relevant technologies, to advance the goal of a lubricant-free factory.
This SPP-program includes eleven national projects with twenty-four research centers working on them. These projects pursue various manufacturing strategies to develop a lubricant-free forming.

Smaller contact areas in the forming process decrease the friction force. The goal in this project is to minimize the contact surfaces in forming tools using macro and micro structures. To reduce the contact area between the tools and the workpiece, macroscopic structuring of the tools is investigated. However, in order to eliminate the tribological functions of lubrication in lubricant free forming completely, it needs to improve the surface chemistry of the tools by means of ta-C film. Through DLIP (Direct Laser Interface Pattering), it is possible to change the surface properties of the ta-C films selectively by local graphitization.

For detailed information about all projects of the SPP-program "dry metal forming" please take notice of the program's website.

Promoter: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG)

Current time: Since 2014