Possibilities of Controlling the Ironing Process in Conditions of a Continuously Variable Lateral Force

In this research, a tribological model of the sliding of sheet metal between the two contact elements that perform thinning was investigated. Unlike usual thinning procedures, what is applied here are the previously set variable functional dependences of the lateral force on the stroke, which are given simultaneously during the thinning procedure. In this way, the authors attempt to better master the process of deep drawing with thinning and to manage the change in thickness by the application of a variable lateral force. The process of thinning was studied through the development and application of an appropriate mechanical-mathematical model. Two functional dependences of a variable lateral force were applied, and two types of lubricants were used: oil and a lubricant based on MoS2 on steel and brass sheet samples. In addition, an original computerised testing device was developed. Based on the obtained diagrams, it was possible to calculate the coefficient of friction and to evaluate the obtained results. Finally, thickness distribution diagrams were obtained by measuring the thickness of the sample at several points.