FEM simulations and experimental analysis of parameters of influence in the blanking process

This paper summarizes the results of simulating the blanking process based on the multi-purpose FEM code and MARC-2D. The characteristics of this simulation are four node axisymmetric elements, rigid dies, and an updated lagrangian approach. The work-hardening behaviour of the material has been derived from a relationship between the equivalent plastic strain, the equivalent Von Mises stress, and the Vickers hardness in the shear zone. Several blanking simulations are performed and the results compared with those obtained from an experimental study. The simulation results obtained under the effect of process variables (e.g. punch-die clearance, tool geometries, and material properties) are in good agreement with the experimental results. Furthermore, the load-stroke curves obtained from the simulation study show the same changes as those obtained from the experimental study. However, a difference in the range of about 14% is noted. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science S.A. All rights reserved.