Evaluation of elasticity and temperature effects on the dimensional accuracy of back-extruded components using finite element simulation

The elastic characteristics and the thermal changes of both the forming tools and the work material influence the dimensional accuracy of formed engineering components. Using finite element (FE) simulation, the influence of each was evaluated for the cold back-extrusion of low-carbon steel and pure aluminium. The results indicate that the elastic behaviour of the tools and the work material has a greater influence on the dimensional accuracy than the temperature changes for the forming of low-carbon steels. However, temperature has a greater influence than does the elasticity of the tools and the work material when pure aluminium was extruded.