Multi-directional Split Flow Forming and Automatic Production Units of Hub Bearing Flanges

LI Qianqiu

doi:10.3969/j.issn.1674-6457.2026.06.026

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Journal of Netshape Forming Engineering ›› 2026, Vol. 18 ›› Issue (6) : 304-314. DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1674-6457.2026.06.026

Multi-directional Split Flow Forming and Automatic Production Units of Hub Bearing Flanges

LI Qianqiu

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Abstract

To solve the problems of many forming processes and low production efficiency in the production of hub bearing flanges, the work aims to propose a multi-directional split forming process according to the structural characteristics of the third generation hub bearing flange, to improve the production efficiency and material utilization. Firstly, the true stress-strain curve of GCr15 steel, which was obtained from high temperature compression experiment, was imported into DEFORM-3D, and the multi-directional split forming process of hub bearing flanges was simulated and analyzed. The punch load time curve, clamping force, equivalent stress field distribution of workpiece, equivalent strain field distribution, and stress distribution of key dies were analyzed. Then, according to the simulation results, the corresponding die structure was designed and the process test was carried out. Finally, according to the process flow, the automatic production unit based on bus control was designed, and the layout and beat of the production unit were studied. The hub bearing flange forgings obtained from the test were fully filled, and no forging defects such as folding and cracks were found. The dimensional test confirmed that they all met the requirements of the forging drawing, and were in good agreement with the simulation results. The maximum forming force error of each punch obtained from the test and the maximum forming force error of each punch obtained from the simulation were not more than 3.24%, and the production unit beat was 24 s. The multi-directional split forming process of hub bearing flange proposed in this work is formable, which effectively improves the material utilization and production efficiency of hub bearing flange forgings, and has certain guiding significance for the non-flash forming process of such parts and the construction of automatic production units.

Key words

hub bearing flange / multi-directional split flow forming / numerical simulation / process test / automatic production unit

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LI Qianqiu. Multi-directional Split Flow Forming and Automatic Production Units of Hub Bearing Flanges[J]. Journal of Netshape Forming Engineering. 2026, 18(6): 304-314 https://doi.org/10.3969/j.issn.1674-6457.2026.06.026

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