Hot Spinning of Cutting Blades for Food Industry

The spinning process is a flexible incremental forming process for the manufacturing of axially-symmetric sheet metal or tubular components with functionally graded properties. It is characterized by the utilization of universal tooling geometries and quite low forming forces. The process has a high potential to reduce material waste, to extend the forming limits and to achieve more complex geometries as well as favorable part properties [1]. Current research work at the Chair of Forming Technology (LUF) is focused on innovative flow-turning processes that have a high potential for producing flat components with excellent geometrical and mechanical properties while keeping process times short [2]. In combination with process-integrated local heat treatment, the new spinning process is predestined for the efficient forming of ultra-high-strength steel or tailored materials. Due to the desired field of food industry only food-safe materials such as special stainless steels are being investigated. This paper presents an innovative machine layout as well as an adequate process design for the production of high-performance circular knives with optimized mechanical hardness. In this context, particular attention is paid to various areas of temperature control as well as process-related challenges during the process.