Application of the finite-element deformation method in the fine blanking process

Abstract

This paper presents the theoretical analysis of the fine blanking process by the application of the rigid-plastic finite-element method. According to the characteristics of the fine blanking process, a mathematical model suitable for the theoretical analysis has been established. At the same time, a computer program with remeshing facility has been developed. From the results of the modeling, it was found that the values of σ ¯ and ε ¯ within or near to the narrow clearance zone were much more greater than those at other areas. Deformation was localized and violent in the narrow clearance area, which coincided with the practical results and reflected the particular characteristics of fine blanking. Furthermore, it was also found that the values of σ ¯ and ε ¯ around the edge of the punch and the d changed very severely, and that the value of ε ¯ was greatest at these places: this is because the material here had been deformed severely during operation. It had also been observed that the value of ε ¯ increased continuously when the fine blanking operation proceeded further, i.e., the deeper was the penetration of the punch, the greater was the degree of deformation, which further reflected the actual performance in fine blanking. The results obtained from the analysis have demonstrated that the rigid-plastic finite-element method should be a useful and practical tool to be applied to the fine blanking process.