HOT FORMING TOOLS FOR ALUMINUM AND MAGNESIUM SHEETS

摘要

A ferrous metal tool is provided for the forming of light metal sheet workpieces at elev ated temperatures, with the forming surface of the tool prepared to minimize friction and adhesion when engaged in deformation of the hot sheet metal. The forming surface of a steel tool K nitrocarburked to form a compound layer and diffusion layer on (he surface. The compound layer initially comprises an outer gamma-phase material and an underlying epsilon phase material. Gamma-phase material is removed to expose underlying epsilon phase material and low friction particles are embedded in the modified nitrocarburized compound layer of the forming tool.