Influence of the cutting edge preparation of carbide punching tools for punching of ultra-high strength steel strips

In order to ensure a robust punching process of ultra-high strength steel spring strips using carbide punching tools, a high stability of the cutting edge is required. Here the cutting edge preparation process has a significant influence. In the presented study, high-pressure abrasive water jet technology for cutting edge preparation was designed, investigated and analysed. For defining the optimal cutting edge shape regarding stresses, a numerical analysis using LS-DYNA was conducted. Within this analysis, the influence of the cutting edge rounding and symmetry was numerically tested and evaluated. Based on the results, two cutting edge shapes were selected and prepared using the high-pressure abrasive water injection jet technology. The tools were applied in the punching process up to 50, 000 strokes in order to analyse the cutting performance and tool wear. With regard to a highly wear resistant tool for punching, a combination of the abrasive water injection jet preparation routine and a CVD diamond coating are under further investigation and first insights are presented additionally.