Prediction and Direct Measurements of Die Wear in Stamping Processes^[1]

This article describes the laboratory techniques for direct measurement and quantification of die wear in verifying a proprietary die-wear predictor methodology. This method is based on a theoretical formula that can be used to predict the rate of die wear and the life of a die surface coating, applicable to both mild steel and high-strength steels stampings. The article discusses the behavior of the surface conditions through quantitative measurements and surface analyses conducted throughout the wear tests. The surface conditions include surface roughness, surface morphology, microstructure, interfacial friction, surface temperatures, and wear rate.