Advanced thermomechanical flow forming: A novel approach to α’ martensite control for enhanced material properties
Bahman Arian, Werner Homberg, Lukas Kersting, Ansgar Trächtler, Julian Rozo Vasquez, Frank Walther
Abstract. Flow forming is recognized for its precision in producing rotationally symmetric components, but the use of metastable austenitic stainless steel (AISI 304L) introduces challenges due to uncontrolled strain-induced α’ martensite formation. Variations in factors such as eccentricity and batch inconsistencies lead to unpredictable microstructural profiles, limiting reproducibility [1,2]. This study addresses these issues by incorporating thermal actuators for cryogenic cooling and induction heating to regulate forming temperatures, enabling control of the α’-martensite content. Experimental investigations demonstrate that local tempering during thermomechanical reverse flow forming produces discernible variations in microstructure, affecting mechanical and magnetic properties [3]. Controlled local adjustments of α’-martensite content allow for customization of properties in seamless tubes, advancing manufacturing capabilities for complex, defect-free components. The results presented demonstrate promising strategies for implementation within the context of closed-loop property control in flow forming.
Keywords
Flow Forming, Thermomechanical Forming, α’-Martensite, Property Control
Published online 5/7/2025, 7 pages
Copyright © 2025 by the author(s)
Published under license by Materials Research Forum LLC., Millersville PA, USA
Citation: Bahman Arian, Werner Homberg, Lukas Kersting, Ansgar Trächtler, Julian Rozo Vasquez, Frank Walther, Advanced thermomechanical flow forming: A novel approach to α’ martensite control for enhanced material properties, Materials Research Proceedings, Vol. 54, pp 1167-1173, 2025
DOI: https://doi.org/10.21741/9781644903599-127
The article was published as article 127 of the book Material Forming
Content from this work may be used under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 license. Any further distribution of this work must maintain attribution to the author(s) and the title of the work, journal citation and DOI.
References
[1] P. Banerjee et al., A study on the performance of various predictive models based on artificial neural network for backward metal flow forming process, International Journal on Interactive Design and Manufacturing, vol. 18, no. 3, pp. 1141-1150, 2024. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12008-022-01079-6
[2] X. Zeng et al., Heterogeneous microstructure and mechanical property of thin-walled tubular part with cross inner ribs produced by flow forming, Materials Science and Engineering: A, vol. 790, p. 139702, 2020. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.msea.2020.139702
[3] B. Arian, α’-martensite grading techniques in reverse flow forming of AISI 304L, in Proceedings of the Metal Forming Conference 2024, 2024, pp. 708-717.
[4] M. Haridas et al., Modelling and simulation of single and multi-pass flow forming to investigate the influence of process parameters on part accuracy, International Journal of Manufacturing Research, vol. 11, no. 3, 2016. https://doi.org/10.1504/IJMR.2016.079473
[5] M. S. Mohebbi and A. Akbarzadeh, Experimental study and FEM analysis of redundant strains in flow forming of tubes, Journal of Materials Processing Technology, vol. 210, no. 2, pp. 389-395, 2010. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jmatprotec.2009.09.028
[6] M. Bambach et al., Editorial to special issue “Property-controlled forming processes”, Advances in Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering, vol. 4, p. 100068, 2022. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aime.2022.100068
[7] J. Savoie and M. Bissinger, Case Studies and Applications of Flow forming to Aircraft Engine Component Manufacturing, Key Engineering Materials, vol. 344, pp. 443-450, 2007. https://doi.org/10.4028/www.scientific.net/KEM.344.443
[8] D. Y. Yang et al., Flexibility in metal forming, CIRP Annals – Manufacturing Technology, vol. 67, no. 2, pp. 743-765, 2018. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cirp.2018.05.004
[9] B. Arian, W. Homberg, L. Kersting, A. Trächtler, J. Rozo Vasquez, and F. Walther, Produktkennzeichnung durch lokal definierte Einstellung von ferromagnetischen Eigenschaften beim Drückwalzen von metastabilen Stahlwerkstoffen, in 36. Aachener Stahlkolloquium-Umformtechnik “Ideen Form geben”, G. Hirt, Ed., Aachen, 2022, pp. 333-347, ISBN: 978-3-95886-460-3.
[10] M. Sivanandini et al., Flow Forming Of Tubes-A Review, International Journal of Scientific & Engineering Research, no. 3, 2012, Art. no. 5. [Online]. Available: https://www.ijser.org/researchpaper/Flow-Forming-Of-Tubes-A-Review.pdf
[12] B. Arian, W. Homberg, L. Kersting, A. Trächtler, J. Rozo Vasquez, and F. Walther, α’ Martensite Grading Techniques in Reverse Flow Forming of AISI 304L, Materials Research Proceedings, vol. 44, pp. 708-717, 2024. https://doi.org/10.21741/9781644903254-76