Evaluation of friction condition in cold forging by using T-shape compression test

Friction plays an important role in metal forming, and numerical simulation of forging processes requires precise informations about the material properties and the value of the friction factor m or coefficient μ. This paper describes the T-shape compression, a new friction testing method by combined compression and extrusion of a cylinder between a flat punch and a V-grooved die. It can realize actual cold forging condition and allows measuring the friction on the cylindrical surface of the billet during forging process. The results of experiments and simulations show that the stroke–load curve and the height of the extruded part are both sensitive to friction. In order to obtain the highest sensitivity to friction, a FE parametric study of this test has been performed: it indicates that small corner radius and V-groove angle in the die should be chosen. Two commercial FE codes, FORGE 3D and ABAQUS, were used and provided very similar results for a given friction condition. Low carbon steel drawn bar with phosphate and soap coating was chosen as specimens. Friction tests with three different lubrication conditions (solid coating, oil and oil + solid coating) were carried out, and then friction factor m and friction coefficient μ were determined by using experimental results and the calibration by numerical simulation of T-shape compression test.