Fraunhofer Institute for Machine Tools and Forming TechnologyEconomic manufacturing of intermediate shapes with optimized mass
Cross rolling is a forming operation using wedge-shaped tools. Billets with a circular cross-section are placed between the two tool halves which are moving in opposite directiona. The tools contain the negative contour of the final workpiece shape. The radial penetration of the wedges into the billet and the redistribution of the material in axial direction cause a reduction of the initial diameter corresponding to the shape stored in the tool. The rolling process can be applied in the temperature range of cold, warm or hot forming.
Cross rolling processes allow economic manufacturing of intermediate shapes with accurately defined mass distribution for subsequent forming operations such as die forging with minimum flash. Besides the rolling of intermediate shapes, final components can be manufactured as well in near-net-shape quality. They can be produced for final machining or without further processing. The cross rolling process ensures high surface quality, constant processing allowances and low tolerances.