Finite element analysis of die wear in hot forging processes

Design optimization of hot forging dies requires an accurate estimation of die wear. The presented paper introduces a finite element model for wear estimation that includes the process related thermal effects on hardness of the tool material. Fundamental investigations concerning the hardness evolution due to thermal softening of the tool material are presented. To obtain necessary data for model calibration by means of statistical analysis, optical measurements are performed on several industrial forging dies. The introduced model is proved to be applicable in wear estimation of hot forging dies over a large number of operating cycles.