ArcelorMittal and its hot press tooling technology partner, American Tooling Center (ATC), have successfully commissioned a production intent hot stamping B-pillar tool using 1.6 mm Usibor® 1500 AS. The B-pillar tool was designed to represent a reasonably difficult part using a monolithic blank and same gauge LWB combinations. The intent is to study stamping conditions and process windows for robust parts, using various press hardened steel grades (Usibor® 1500, Usibor® 2000, Ductibor® 1000, Ductibor® 500), under real world manufacturing conditions. The scope of this presentation focuses on the commissioning activities using monolithic Usibor® 1500 AS and the value of FEA is demonstrated. A final buy-off run was successfully performed along with physical testing of parts, examining part quality and consistency. For example, part strength, part distortion, and manufacturing performance (thinning and wrinkling) were measured on parts sampled throughout the run. Detailed press traces and process data were also logged during the buy-off trial. Key to successful commissioning of the tools was continual communication and collaboration between ATC and ArcelorMittal.

Mondragon Unibertsitatea, Fagor Arrasate, and Batz teamed up to perform trials on hot stamping of an aluminum bumper, by reengineering a die used for hot stamping of boron steels. They simulated and generated new die surfaces (in AutoForm), performed a tryout thermography study to help optimize the surface geometry to increase quenching efficacy, re-machined the die surfaces and adapted all die features, and performed forming trials on a Batz hot-stamping line.

There has been a trend of replacing hydraulic presses with servos for the purpose of increasing production capacity through shorter cycle times, better formability and the ability of holding positions to better form the workpiece. Decreased maintenance compared to hydraulic presses and the reduced energy consumption make servo technology a viable option for hot stamping.

9:15 a.m.
Additive Manufacturing of Hot-Stamping Dies
Andrzej Nycz, R&D Staff, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Manufacturing Demonstration Facility (MDF), Wire-Arc Metal AM Technical Lead

A team of Oak Ridge National Laboratory researchers, in collaboration with industry partners Lincoln Electric and DTS, have demonstrated that an additively manufactured hot-stamping die cools 20-percent faster than those produced by conventional manufacturing methods, which can lead to reduced manufacturing costs and production time.

GNS presentation/overview of its facilities, in advance of the tour
Michael Alcala, President/CEO, GNS North America
Jason Blust, Vice President of Engineering and Development, GNS North America