Fine Blanking Limits of Manganese-Boron-Steel in Fine Blanking Compared to Tempered Steel with Variation of Sheet Metal Temperature

Fine blanking is a key technology for the near-net-shape production of sheet metal components. It is often used in combination with processes such as deep drawing. With increasing environmental requirements, the processing of materials with lightweight construction potential is becoming more and more important. A group of materials with high potential for lightweight construction, not only due to their suitability for hot stamping, is the group of manganese-boron steels. The fine blanking properties of these steels have not yet been exhaustively investigated. In this work, the fine blanking properties of the manganese-boron steel 40MnB4 were investigated in comparison to the quenched and tempered steel 42CrMo4. This was done using a star-piece fine blanking layout with investigation of die roll as well as tooth tip cracking. Furthermore, an investigation of the high-temperature fine blanking properties were investigated by means of inductive heating prior to fine blanking. The process forces were evaluated depending on the sheet metal temperature. A good fine blanking capability of 40MnB4 could be confirmed. Process forces and product quality were comparable to 42CrMo4 steel. Accordingly, an industrial application of fine blanking to manganese-boron steels seems highly promising.