Fast Inverse Forging Simulation via Medial Axis Transform

Hot metal forging and precision-forging of machine parts are important production techniques. Forging processes generally consist of several steps and have to be designed from top down. Beginning with the final product, the design engineer derives the intermediate steps of the process in inverse order, using simulations to evaluate and validate them. The simulations are generally based on the finite element method, a widely employed technique in engineering. Two problems exist with this method: 1. The run-time of the simulations is often very long, depending on the spatial and temporal resolution of the simulated process. 2. The simulation progresses from one intermediate step to the next, while the engineer has to lay out the steps in inverse order. We propose a technique which addresses these problems, by following an approach relying on the geometry of the form and elementary plasticity theory. This method allows for a coarse approximation of the material flow that can be inverted.