Finite Element Modeling of Upper Ball Joint in a Two-Step Hot Forging Process

This paper presented an analysis of the two-step of hot forging process are carried out to manufacture Ball joint, which are including roughing and finishing operation. The part was made from SNCM8 alloy steel. The simulation has been done with application of QForm V10.1.6 software. The constitutive model based on Zener-Hollomon parameter was applied. As a result of simulations, metal flow lines, plastic strain, temperature distribution and effective stress for forgings were obtained. Finite element simulation by QForm V10.1.6. software is suggested as a valuable tool for predicting the hot deformation behavior of material during multi-stage of hot forging process which utilized to enhance the manufacturing process. In addition, the forming load and thickness during the forging process were analyzed. It was found that the deviation of forming load between simulation and experiment was raised to 9.74% and the maximum error of flank thickness was 10.19% withih specification. Therefore, the workpieces of the quality required by specification are obtained.