Generation of micro channels in AlMg4.5Mn0.7 sheets using a vibration-assisted micro forming process

Chemnitz University of Technology, Professorship Micromanufacturing Technology, Reichenhainer Str. 70, 09126 Chemnitz, Germany

^* Corresponding author : benedikt.mueller@mb.tu-chemnitz.de

Abstract

Micro forming can be used for a highly efficient manufacturing of small parts like screws or caps. Because of the small dimensions of the structures, high stresses and forming forces occur, especially in the case of micro bulk forming. In addition, the influence of friction is significantly higher compared to macro forming processes. A typical example of small structures are micro channels. An approach for the reduction of the necessary forming force to obtain lower loads on the tool consists in a vibration-assisted micro forming process. As vibration source, a piezo power module is placed directly in the force axis of the forming press. For the investigations, micro channels with a depth of more than 300 μm and a width of 300 μm are formed into 1.5 mm thick AlMg4.5Mn0.7 aluminium alloy sheets. The focus of the research lies in the influence of the process parameters like frequency and oscillation amplitude onto the material flow and the achieved channel depths. To investigate a possible influence on the friction conditions due to the vibration assistance, different lubrication conditions are applied. First results show a channel depth increase of 12 % compared to samples formed without vibration assistance.