Development of a tool design method in cross wedge rolling: description and applications

Till now, the definition of cross wedge rolling dies requires know-how and important expertise from the designers. A decision-making methodology is being developed to provide sequential and logical steps to draw easier and faster the tool geometry. This methodology is based on designing rules found in literature that link the geometrical parameters of the desired rolled part and the geometrical parameters of the tool. Nevertheless, in the literature, the rules are not always consistent because the admissible domain for a parameter can differ from one author to another. In order to take into account this variability, a stability index is associated to each rule and to the designed tool. The methodology allows updating of the existing rules and the implementation of new rules. The set of parameters defining the geometry of the tool can be exported in the CAD/CAM software and FEM software. A case-study is presented to illustrate and validate the methodology.