Validation tool for 2D multi-stage metal-forming processes on meta-stable stainless steels

During the last few years it has become more and more customary for major industries to use FEM simulations during the product creation process. Most of these metal-forming process simulations are based on elastic plastic behaviour of material and use non-deformable tools. For a correct use of FEM simulations in product development stages, it is very important to determine the accuracy of the simulations. For multi-stage processes, it can be more effective not to simulate the total process but only a few stages of the process, with the last stages usually being the most important ones. To start simulations half way the total process calls for information on the semi-finished product. This information is generated by means of measured values in order to decrease the total modeling time and to increase the accuracy. This paper shows a method developed for handling these problems. The method based on a fully automatic measuring device, including a LECO hardness tester. The results of these measurements were used to verify models, including models based on the transformation behaviour of strain-induced martensite. The examples presented are based on products made of a stainless steel called Nanoflex ™.