A database oriented process control design algorithm for improving deep-drawing performance

A new process control design algorithm for sheet stamping operations using a database was developed in order to provide design engineers with an easy and suitable method of designing the process control rules. Utilizing the database, which consists of process information, the algorithm enables the design of the process without the need for experts who are skilled and experienced in the forming processes. In this study, the algorithm was applied to fuzzy adaptive control of the blank holding force (BHF) in the circular-cup deep-drawing process in order to improve the limit drawing ratio (LDR), which is a typical industrial requirement. In the fuzzy adaptive controlled variable BHF deep-drawing test with an aluminum alloy sheet, 2.4% improvement of the LDR was achieved. The result confirmed the efficiency of the developed algorithm for LDR improvement, and an appropriate BHF path for improving the LDR was demonstrated. (C) 2003 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.