Some Preliminary Considerations for a Computer-Aided Billet Volume Control in Bar Cropping

Summary

In closed die forging, the billet volume must remain within a close tolerance. The present paper examines the means for achieving this in bar cropping installations. The volumetric variation comes from the inconsistencies arising in the length setting and/or in the diameter of the bar in as-received condition. The contribution of length variation is less significant as compared to that due to variation in diameter. Thus, it the diametral variation is not serious (e.g. bright bar), a relatively simpler system involving a fixed bar stop is adequate. For large diametral variation however, an adaptive system is necessary. Such a system can be developed around a measuring system and a computer to instruct a variable bar stop thereby changing the billet length or volume. An outline of such a system involving various elements, is also given.