Flexible radial profile ring rolling is a novel net shape forming process that could reduce scrap without requiring expensive shaped tooling. The paper describes flow patterns observed in the process; showing two key factors that determine which mode of deformation will occur. These trends suggest a range of final ring geometries are not achievable by simple flexible radial profiling.
Flexible radial profile ring rolling is a novel metal forming process that could potentially offer increased material yield and reduced downstream machining costs, without expensive part-specific tooling. A different approach is taken to previous experimental studies into the process, classifying three key flow patterns observed in the outer and inner profiling of a ring of intended L-shaped cross-section: axial flow and uniform/non-uniform circumferential flow. The axial height ratio of thick to thin sections and the ring aspect ratio are shown to be key factors determining which of these flow patterns occur. The trends in these factors suggest that the range of final geometries achievable by simple flexible radial profile ring rolling is limited due to undesirable non-uniform flow.