Modelling and experimental analysis of the effects of tool wear on form errors in stainless steel blanking

The main defects that characterize the quality and accuracy of blanked parts are the form errors which can be found on the blanked surface. These defects are basically related to tool wear and process parameters. This work presents theoretical modelling of the effects of tool wear on the shearing mechanism and resulting form errors. To this end, a new parameter denominated effective clearance, which characterizes the distance between a punch and the die cutting edge when a tool is worn, is defined. An experimental analysis of form errors as a function of this new parameter is made, using 6 and 8 mm AISI A2 steel punches and 1 mm thick AISI 304 stainless steel sheet. Finally, design criteria are proposed for the process parameters to fulfil the quality requirements of blanked parts.