The new forging process of a wheel hub

Purpose: The main purpose of the research was working out a new flashless forming process of wheel hub forging in three-slide forging press (TSFP). It was assumed that the new process would be more effective than the forging processes applied in typical forging machines. Design/methodology/approach: The designing of the new process was based on the simulation by finite element method with the assumption of 3D state of strain. Calculations were made mainly for the analysis of the material flow kinematics and the process loads parameters. Experimental research were also made determining the dependency of clamping load in the function of forming load. On the basis of the analysis, the forming process of a wheel hub drop forging on the TSFP was worked out. Findings: The results of research confirmed the possibility of flashless forming process of wheel hub forging in TSFP with axial cavities. The main parameters limiting the forming processes of wheel hub forgings are: permissible upsetting ratio and reciprocal relation of forming and clamping forces. Research limitations/implications: The further research within the range of determining force parameters for different types of material and schemata of forming in TSFP were considered as purposeful. The works dealing with analysis of forming processes of different types of products in order to classify drop forgings possible to form in this press will be examined. Practical implications: The comparison of the new forming process with the forging process on hammer showed majority of advantages which include: decrease of time and energy, decrease of drop forging weight and machining, decrease of material consumption. Originality/value: The new process of wheel hub forging forming with axial cavities was worked out. The parameters important during designing of forming processes in TSFP were provided. The relations between forces of forming tools were also determined.