Focus on Hygiene – Clean sheets increase productivity in sheet forming

Project time: 2012 – 2013

Budget: 1 000 000 SEK

Funding: FFI – Strategic Vehicle Research and Innovation

In the preliminary study, we intended to compile baseline information for future work in the scheduled main project

We have investigated possible methods for measuring particles on a flat surface/plate or component, and methods to measure the defects they cause. A benchmark was performed concerning what other companies in similar industries have made concerning particle cleanliness connected to sheet metal forming and other processes with high demands on surface finish. We also investigated what there is of published articles or other aggregate information about particle effects on sheet metal forming and in other industries. An initial mapping of the particles present in the production environment has been done. The defects of different particles generated have been studied in lab environment and methodology for this has been developed.
Literature search shows that there are a lot published about particles and particle cleanliness. This, however, focuses on particle cleanliness in mechanical systems such as bearings, hydraulics, transmission, etc. Particles impact on sheet metal forming is mentioned only in a few publications, and only as a subordinate clause without any detailed information presented. Benchmark against companies shows that there is a serious problem with particles that generate defects in formed components, giving rise to substantial adjustments and rejects. Companies are aware of the problems but have generally not taken any direct action to solve them. For mechanical systems there are specified cleanliness requirements and standards and then the companies performed more extensive analyzes concerning cleanliness, washing processes and other measures.
The study shows that the majority of particles that may occur in the production at sheet metal forming cause defects in the formed component which does not pass the inspection. This is not only for hard particles such as metal or sand but also for soft particles of organic type as hairs, fibers, insects and plant parts. A particle with a thickness of 10 μm can give an unacceptable defect. Conventional particle analysis by washing with washing liquid, filtering the washing liquid and microscopy with image analysis is impractical for analysis of particles on the stamping machines, tools, and large plates. There are systems for particle measurement directly on the surface but since the measuring area is very small, they are currently not suitable for measurements on large surfaces. They work well on glossy surfaces but surfaces with structure, as with most of the materials for automotive sheet, are more difficult to calibrate and get relevant measurements from. Defects may be detected and assessed visually before painting by spraying with contrast-enhancing fluid and inspection by side lighting. This works well but is very time consuming. There are systems for more automated inspection and quantification of detected defects. These are in use at some of the major vehicle manufacturers. Particles collected in the participating companies’ production processes by either capture them directly in shaping dies or by capturing particles that occurs airborne. Size and chemical content varies greatly among the particles found. Accuracy in finding the source of the particle also varies widely. The processes that produce the main parts of the pollution differ between companies. The feasibility study shows that it is highly interesting to develop a methodology and implement measures to detect and eliminate particles and raise the general level of cleanliness in the complete production process, including storage, unpacking, transportation, forming, etc., at the participating companies. The project group will therefore act for a continuation of the project with an application for the main project.

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