Integration of Material Simulation to Extend the Accuracy of FEM Results for Metallic Forming Processes

Nowadays, almost all metallic forming processes can be mapped by FEM simulation. Demands on FEM simulation are becoming increasingly higher with regard to the representation of very fine tolerances, whether in terms of temperature or dimensional accuracy. The combination of a FEM software suitable for the forming process and a connected materials database is a great potential to enlarge these precision figures. In the article, real simulation examples with QForm UK are used to show how this combination positively affects the accuracy of simulation results. For this purpose, several material data—such as flow curves, temperature-dependent properties, or CCT diagrams—and material models—such as the recrystallization or phase transformation model—from the materials database MatILDa® are applied. Hereby, the possibilities of material simulation are demonstrated and practical methods to improve individual simulation projects are given.