Center for Precision Forming (CPF)
Status of CPF (members / projects)
(update – November, 2006)
The following companies already joined (or in the process of joining) CPF:
· Daimler Chrysler
· Elkay Manufacturing
· ESI
· General Motors
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· Posco (
· Scientific Forming Technologies, Corp (SFTC)
· Sung Woo Hitech (
· Timken
· Weatherford
· Whirlpool
Many others (who attended our planning meeting or who could not be present at the first IAB meeting) are evaluating membership with their management. We are inviting additional companies to explore membership in CPF.
Based on our initial budget and the initial interest from member companies, we have started working on the following projects:
1.1 Elevated temperature stamping and hydroforming (material, lubrication, tooling) of Al, Mg and Stainless Steel
This project was originally focused on warm forming of Al and Mg alloys and Stainless Steels. However, we will also spend some effort on warm forming of boron steels (since there is considerable interest on this last topic, from steel and automotive companies).
1.2 Opportunities for Impulse Methods in Sheet Metal Fabrication
1.3 Investigation of formability springback and quality issues in forming of Advanced / Ultra High Strength Steel (A/UHSS) components.
This project will focus on material characterization, formability and strongly on spring back issues, i.e. how can we predict spring back more accurately in FEM simulations.
2.1 Determination of room temperature properties (flow stress, formability, anisotropy) of Al and Steel sheet materials under biaxial conditions.
This project, will focus on steels and Al alloys at room temperature
2.2 Determination of flow stress of Al and Mg sheet materials from bulge test at elevated temperatures
This project will focus on Al & Mg alloys at elevated temperatures (150-300 C)
2.3 Investigation of friction conditions in forming uncoated and galvanized A/UHSS.
This project will be focused on (a) evaluating and developing new lubricants and additives (and friction) and (b) galling and tool wear (how to reduce it).
2.4 Development of die wear testing method and apparatus for cold and warm forming of light weight materials.
3.2 Design and manufacturing of nano scale porous surface structures.
3.3 Process Development for robust fuel cell bi-polar and interconnect plate fabrication.
4.1 Optimum practical use of Multi Point Control (MPC) die cushion technology in stamping.
This project will develop, for a given part, an automated system to a) predict the necessary number and location of cushion pins and b) adjust the force on each pin using a flange imaging system for feed back.
4.2.a Tube Hydroforming (THF) - Advanced features and applications (tube quality, lubrication, simulation)
This project will utilize past R&D experience that is available at OSU and will assist interested companies in (a) the evaluation of tube quality and properties to reduce scrap, (b) the evaluation of lubricants and (c) FEM simulation of the THF process.
4.2.b Sheet Hydroforming (SHF) – Advanced features and applications (punch/die design, blank holder pressure, pot pressure)
This project uses past experience of OSU’s team and focuses on design issues: (a) influence of punch – die clearance, (b) guidelines for die / punch design and c) estimation of optimum blank holder pressure and pot pressure in function of punch stroke.
In summary:
a) Projects 1.1, 1.3, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 4.1, 4.2a and 4.2b have already started. We have issued our second bimonthly reports in September, 2006.
b) Projects 1.2, 3.2, and 3.3 will be started after interested companies formally join CPF.
Project Plans and Bimonthly Reports (#1 and #2) are available in “Members” only section that can be accessed by user name and password, available only to our members.
