Overview

Hemming beds or forming dies are widely used in the automotive industry. The edges which are used for forming are subjected to high wear and require hardening to improve the bed’s life. Laser hardening provides an excellent control on the energy input, enabling hardening of cast iron without melting. The surface temperature regulation system available at ARCI provides added control while processing 3D contours, as well negligible change in the surface finish can eliminate the requirement of any post-hardening machining. 

Key Features

  1. Selective and localised hardening process
  2. No coolant or quenching medium required
  3. Uniform hardened layer throughout the processed area
  4. Negligible change in the surface roughness
  5. Compressive stresses in the hardened region
  6. Automation possible, No human errors
  7. Case depth 0.8 - 1.2 mm with ~55HRc uniform hardness throughout the bed Material (GGG70L Nodular Cast Iron)

Potential Applications

  1. Hemming beds and forming dies made of cast iron and steel

Status

  1. Laser hardened hemming beds were used by end user with excellent performance compared to flame hardened beds

Intellectual Property Development Index (IPDI)

Level 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Description Basic concepts and understanding of underlying scientific principles Shortlisting possible applications Research to prove technical feasibility for targeted application Coupon level testing in simulated conditions Check repeatability/consistency Prototype testing in real-life conditions Check repeatability/consistency Reassessing feasibility (IP, competition technology, commercial) Initiate technology transfer Support in stabilizing production
Status

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