A Consideration of Optimum Conditions for Surface Smoothing Based on Lubricating Mechanisms in Ironing Process

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to clarify the mechanism of a smooth surface generation in the ironing process under contact states with a largely relative slide. In this case, the outflow behavior of lubricant trapped in the oil pits is the most important point in the surface smoothing process. It was deduced from ironing experiments that lubricant flows out from oil pits as a result of plastic deformation of the metal surface layer, mainly in the friction direction. A model has been proposed to estimate variations in the friction stress during ironing. This model can explain experimental results that the metal surface is best smoothed under the condition in which the minimum friction stress appears.