An approach to preform design

An approach to optimising the design of preforms for metal working operations, exemplified by the design of a preform for forging an H-section, is described. A draft design is produced, in which the principal parameters of the shape are optimised by backward/forward computation according to some pre-selected criterion such as minimum tool force. This may be subject to conditions such as minimisation of inhomogeneity of deformation and specified levels of friction. A final design, incorporating parameters of secondary importance, is obtained by computation forward from the form of the required product. © 1995.