Manufacturing of composite workpieces with rolling tools

Compound workpieces are developed to combine favourable properties of different materials. Today, many composite materials like MMCs are used in industrial production. One alternative to manufacture compound workpieces is to join two workpieces with different and adapted material properties by form-fit or by frictional engagement. The choice of materials can be optimised with respect to the specific application. Furthermore, investigations were carried out to manufacture non-tubular composite workpieces like shaft-to-collar connections. In this context it is possible to manufacture power train components like gear or camshafts. Weight reducing in those rapid moving parts of automobile engines and power trains lead to a higher capability, to a reduction of the fuel consumption of engines and so to a lower environmental pollution. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.