Cutting AHSS materials in the non normal direction of the sheet material

The properties of cutting AHSS (Advance High Strength Steel) materials in the non normal direction of the sheet material are investigated both trough semi industrial testing and FE simulations. Cutting angles of 25°, 35°, 45° and 60° with a clearance of 4%, 8%, 12% and 16% are evaluated. Cast iron to wrought steel are tested against sheet materials ranging from HSS (High Strength Steel) to UHSS (Ultra High strength steel). Two versions of the geometry on the lower cutting edge have been tested, a traditional geometry and a 1,5mm shelf geometry. Side force measurements indicate that for the traditional cutting edge geometry on the lower die, the side force increases with an increased angle. For the shelf geometry this side force is reduced, especially for the higher angles. Simulated results correlate well to the test results. The shelf geometry also reduces the sharpness off the cut edge profile compared to the traditional geometry. During a few tests, fracture wear and chipping occurred on the upper cutting edge, successful actions were made to decrease the risk for fracture wear.