A survey of the morphology of surface features during metal-forming operations

The morphology of the workpiece surface during and after metal forming operations is dependent on the type and magnitude of the forming operation, the lubrication and the initial surface condition. The current work is a survey of the surfaces that result from mechanical forming of workpieces with different initial surface conditions. The mechanical forming, the bulk material properties and the lubrication condition were maintained as constant as possible. Polished, as rolled, etched, coarsely ground and model surfaces were deformed under plane strain and the surface changes were digitally recorded and examined.