Investigation into Influence of Pre-Forming Depth on Multi-Stage Hydrodynamic Deep Drawing of Thin-Wall Cups with Stepped Geometries

Hydrodynamic deep drawing (HDD) is an effective method for manufacturing complicated and thin-walled parts. Aiming at the forming process of the stainless steel part with 0.4 mm thick and complex stepped geometries, the technology scheme of multi-stage HDD assisted by conventional deep drawing (CDD) is proposed in consideration of wrinkling and destabilization in the unsupported region of the conical wall, and finite element models are built. As a key process parameter, pre-forming depth on the quality of the parts is explored with assistance of numerical simulations and verification experiments. Furthermore, the failure modes, including wrinkling and fracture during forming process are discussed; meanwhile, the optimum pre-forming depth is realized. The results indicate that the technological method is proven to be feasible for integral forming of thin-walled parts with a large drawing ratio and stepped geometries; moreover, the parts with uniform thickness distribution and high quality are successfully formed by adopting optimum pre-forming depth.