Strip-on-cylinder test apparatus for die wear characterization

This paper presents a novel strip-on-cylinder test apparatus specifically aimed at characterizing die wear in sheet metal forming. The novelty lies in the design of wear tracks and the integration of the corresponding measurement method via the white light interferometer with nano-scale accuracy. Experimental results are presented. This apparatus enables a fast and accurate evaluation of wear amount under controlled contact pressure, relative sliding speed and lubrication condition. The results can be used to establish a die wear severity index map for industrial applications and to assist in the selection of die materials or coating methods.