Research on a multi-step spinning process for manufacturing disc-like part with thickened rim

In this research, a multi-step spinning process was proposed to manufacture disc-like metallic parts with thick rim. The feasibility of this new process was validated by finite element (FE) simulation and forming experiment, while some undesirable geometries and defects including fold, pit, and underfilling were observed during each forming stage. To improve the forming quality, the effects of critical dimension parameters of rollers on the forming stability, streamline distribution, filling performance, and forming defects were systematically investigated by combination of FE and experimental analysis. The results showed that the dimension parameters of the roller significantly affect the forming stability and the streamline distribution, and the forming step has a remarkable effect on the filling performance. A circular slab with a diameter of 326 mm and a thickness of 3 mm was successfully formed into a defect-free disc-like part that has a thick rim with a width of 7.8 mm and thickness of 9.1 mm using the optimized parameters. This work presents a comprehensive understanding of the flow behavior and defects generation mechanism of the newly developed multi-step spinning process which can be used to manufacture large disc parts with thin web and thick rim.