Tool concept for structure rolling to improve tribologically stressed components

Extensions of functional ranges and increases in efficiency are among the constant companions in automotive engineering as well asin machine tool industry. In most cases, increased performance requirements meet lower or constant component dimensions,whereby the functional surfaces are exposed to higher loads. These are often components subject to high tribological stress, such asfriction bearings or cylinder liners. Against this background, these surfaces are often functionalized by coatings or microstructures inorder to meet the increased requirements.For surface micro structuring, a number of processes are known which differ in their suitability for specific applications and seriesproduction. Structure rolling offers great potential for the structuring of rotationally symmetric components. With this process thepositive structure of the embossing roller is replicated onto the workpiece surface under a defined contact force. This comparativelysimple method of structure generation enables a fast and flexible process for transferring different structural geometries to extensivecomponent surfaces.The publication focuses on structure rolling as efficient manufacturing technology. Within the scope of several research projects,various tool concepts have been implemented and advanced, whereby the current tool design is presented and discussed. Inaddition, the dimensioning and production of the positive structure on the embossing roller by means of laser structuring is described.The potentials of the process are shown by means of an application-oriented example.