FEM modelling of a helical wedge rolling process for axisymmetric parts

The paper reports the results of a numerical analysis of helical-wedge rolling (HWR), a new metal forming method developed at the Lublin University of Technology. The numerical analysis was performed for three axisymmetric parts: a rotary cutter body, a stepped shaft and a ball pin. The numerical modeling was performed using the commercial simulation software Forge NxT 1.0. The paper examines changes in workpiece shape as well as variations in effective strains, temperatures, damage function, force parameters (on the rolls and guides), and torques acting on the rolls. It has been found that due to its advantages (low material losses and high efficiency), the new helical-wedge rolling process can be used as an alternative to currently employed methods for producing axisymmetric products.