To meet the demands for flexible assembly technology, an aerodynamic feeding system has been developed. The system autonomously finds the optimal configuration of four parameters – two angles of inclination, nozzle pressure and component speed – using a genetic algorithm, which has been presented in earlier work. To increase the flexibility of the feeding system, an actuator was implemented, that enables the variation of the nozzle position orthogonally to the moving direction of the components. This paper investigates the effects of the more flexible flow against the components on their behavior when passing the nozzle. Additionally, the nozzle position was implemented into the genetic algorithm as a fifth parameter. Therefore, the impact of the enlargement of the solution space of the genetic algorithm due to the implementation of a fifth parameter is investigated in this paper as well.
The demand for lightweight construction is constantly increasing. One approach to meet this challenge is the development of hybrid components made of dissimilar materials. The use of the hybrid construction method for bulk components has a high potential for weight reduction and increased functionality. However, forming workpieces consisting of dissimilar materials requires specific temperature profiles for achieving sufficient formability. This paper deals with the development of a specific heating and cooling strategy to generate an inhomogeneous temperature distribution in hybrid workpieces. Firstly, the heating process boundaries with regard to temperature parameters required for a successful forming are experimentally defined. Secondly, a design based on the obtained cooling strategy is developed. Next a modelling embedded within an electro-thermal framework provides the basis for a numerical determination of admissible cooling rates to fulfil the temperature constraint. Here, the authors illustrate an algorithmic approach for the optimisation of cooling parameters towards an effective minimum, required for applicable forming processes of tailored forming.
Nowadays, cost reduction in manufacturing is getting relevant. One aspect to achieve that is utilising universal handling systems and their ability to adapt to changing objects and various geometries. By that, they minimise the number of handling systems and set-up times whereby cost savings are realised. In the field of forging, the objects vary their shape several times during the manufacturing process. In addition, the temperature can rise up to 1200 $${}^{\circ }\text {C}$$ ∘ C during the different steps of the forging process. Current flexible handling systems cannot handle those temperatures. The main reason for that is the material they consist of, primarily elastic polymers. Hence, there is a need for a handling system to close the gap between form flexible and high temperature handling. For this purpose, we developed such a handling system in our previous work, consisting of two jaws with pins in a matrix arrangement. Each pin can move in the longitudinal direction and adapt to different shapes. In response to the current temperatures for the pins, a material is used that withstands high temperatures. This paper presents the actuation and control of the developed handling system. The system is actuated by pressurised air which is continuously controlled to counteract the thermal expansion of the air caused by the high temperatures. Therefore, we integrate intelligent valves to fulfil the automation and control. Finally, we evaluate the accuracy of our system and optimise the valve control.
Abstract. The novel Tailored Forming process chain enables the combination of crucial properties of different materials by manufacturing hybrid components. Thereby, the limitations of monolithic components are surpassed. However, manufacturing hybrid bulk components introduces new challenges for hot forming. For example, when combining steel and aluminium, the main challenge is establishing and maintaining a temperature gradient in the component to match the differing flow stresses of the materials for a successful forging. For establishing the gradient, a particular heating strategy, including inductive heating of the steel and parallel partial cooling of the aluminium, is necessary. After reaching the target temperature, the heated component has to be transferred to the forging die by a robot while maintaining the essential temperature gradient. Therefore, a portable spray nozzle cooling system attached to the robot's end effector was designed in former work. This paper aims to validate spray nozzles for establishing a temperature gradient in a hybrid workpiece with a particular heating strategy compared to a currently used immersion cooling. For the validation, the nozzles will cool a hybrid steel aluminium shaft, whereby the nozzles' operation parameters influence on the temperature gradient will be investigated. Finally, the performance of the nozzles will be compared against the currently used immersion cooling.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
hi@scite.ai
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.