In multistage hot forging processes, the preform shape is a central parameter that mainly influences the final forging result. Nevertheless, the design of multistage hot forging processes is still a trial-and-error process and therefore time-consuming. The quality of the developed forging sequences strongly depends on the engineer’s experience. To overcome these obstacles, IPH researchers are working on an automated creation of forging preforms in cooperation with forging experts of Hammerwerk Fridingen.
An automated creation of forging preforms can increase the economic efficiency of multistage hot forging processes significantly. Especially for forging parts with a low batch size, the development time is a crucial factor. The researchers use an evolutionary algorithm to create and rate suitable preforms. The evolutionary algorithm uses the methods selection, recombination and mutation as in nature. The results show the feasibility of the algorithm to develop a preform within 60 seconds.
