Experimental Study of Distortion Phenomena in Manufacturing Chains

The influence and significance of several process parameters in a manufacturing chain of cylindrical bearing rings made of steel SAE 52100 (100Cr6) on the quench hardening distortion were identified using the method of Design of Experiments (DoE) and a statistical analysis of the results. The change in out-of-roundness can be explained by the used clamping technique during turning, which led to characteristic residual stress distributions in circumferential direction. Size alterations were smaller and depended also on clamping (height) resp. on clamping and an interaction of clamping and feed (radius). Other investigated factors like stirring during continuous casting, deformation ratio during forging and cooling after forging did not significantly influence shape or size changes. Density measurement was found to be a simple and effective method, to check size changes. The results confirm the necessity of concerning the whole manufacturing chain, to understand and influence heat treatment distortion. DoE has been proven to be a useful tool in this way.