Excimer Laser Micro Texturing of Cold Forging Tool Surfaces - Influence on Tool Life

In bulk metal forming the tribological state is significantly dependent on the surface topography of tool and workpiece. To provide the process with an improved tribological behaviour in some cases the billetʹs surface is prepared by shot blasting. Micro texturing of the tool surface provides an additional opportunity to optimise the frictional conditions. aper deals with the investigation of micro texturing of the surface of TiN-coated tools with regard to their tribological behaviour in the field of cold forging. The micro textures are applied by excimer laser radiation. Tool life investigations in an industrial press shop yield that the tool surface can be improved significantly leading to higher tool life.