From single production step to entire process chain - the global approach of Distortion Engineering

Minimizing or even avoiding of heat treatment distortion is one of the key factors in the machine industry. Although known as a multi-parameter problem, in the past investigations had focused on single effects or isolated steps in a process chain only. For example segregation patterns in raw materials, forming technologies, machining parameters and quenching was subject of intensive research. A new global approach, treating distortion as a system attribute, analyses the entire process chain from steelmaking to heat treatment. Optimizing distortion by this new methodology is called "Distortion Engineering", which is the name of the corresponding Collaborative Research Center, established by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) at the University Bremen in 2001. The investigation of "distortion potential" and application of "compensation potential" of different manufacturing steps will lead to an intelligent control of distortion and future improvements in profitability of production.