Bernd Griesbach

Automatic Process Control in Press Shops

The manufacturing of automotive body components in press lines is a sensitive process. The quality characteristics of body components vary. These fluctuations are rooted in the fact that the factors influencing the component quality are varying, e.g., fluctuations of batches regarding material quality, abrasion or heating of the tool during the production cycle. If a certain quality characteristic exceeds a predefined range an intervention in the process is necessary. This intervention is based upon the subjective know-how of the machine operator. Objective information about the state of the process, like tool temperature or the material quality of the semi-finished product is not available. Therefore, a lack of knowledge emerges in the interrelations between the tuning parameters of the system press-tool and the component quality during different stages of the process (material quality, temperature…). In this paper a complete concept for an automatic process control in press shops is described. The concept will be realized in a pilot plant for mass production in the press shop of AUDI AG. The mechanisms of occurrence of quality defects are shown in the paper, as well as the essential factors influencing the quality during the mass production of body components in the automotive industry and their variation. A sensor-system for continuous measurement of influencing variables during the mass production is presented. The key element of the concept is the non-destructive identification of material-properties for every single blank. By associating the sensor-data with the respective quality, a knowledge-based process control can be realized. The purpose is to create a failure prediction algorithm and make optimal adjustments for each stroke of the moulding press, respectively. The potential of existing actuators in modern press lines as well as new, tool integrated proposals for actuators are highlighted.

Identification of Process-Based Limit Stress States Applying a Stretch-Bending-Test

The evaluation of forming simulation by using the forming limit curve has only limited validity if it is applied on car body components with non-linear strain paths. If modern high strength materials are used, the forming limit criteria can also provide invalid predictions. Especially high strength multiphase steels show a specific behaviour in forming, necking and crack initiation. If bending loads are applied to these materials, the onset of cracking occurs partially not within the range of the forming limit curve (FLC). The stress limit indicates the failure beginning more accurate. It is independent of the forming history and should be less sensitive to the behaviour of high strength steels. In the post processing of a simulation it could be used similar to the forming limit. A limit curve applied on the in-plane-stress-diagram of an analysed component defines areas that are more vulnerable for cracking. The required stress limit curve will be obtained in this research by applying a stretch-bending-test. It is selected in order to reach loads, which are comparable to the forming process in the components’ production. The forming state that is affecting the specimen is a combination of bending and stretching load. Different load conditions can be applied at the test by altering the stamp-radius and the specimen geometry. Since stresses cannot be measured directly in the experiment, the test is modelled in the simulation where the stresses can be calculated for a given material model. Finally the stress limit criterion was applied on the test parts’ stress distribution diagram. Occurring stresses above the stress limit curve are displayed on the simulation. Thereby it is possible to show a good correlation in critical areas between the failure prediction in the simulation and occurring rupture on the test component.