Cracking From Swaging

[Metalhead97]

Hello,

Can swage cracking be minimized by using a mechanical feeding device? I would think that if the rod is feed into the swager off center bending stresses will occur, which could cause cracking. A mechanical feeding device could prevent this misalignment. Thanks for any input.

Metalhead

 

[metengr]

Metalhead;
Swage cracking can be caused by several factors, including what you mentioned above.

 

[EdStainless]

The feed rate is also important.
Though it is good to avoid severe work that results in cracks, because then you are in the business of inspecting for cracks.

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Plymouth Tube

 

[Metalhead97]

I'm responsible for developing a ultra-hard precious metal alloy which anneals-out at 46-49 30N and work hardens to 60-63 30N. In addition, it starts order-hardening at 600C, which means quenching the ingot/rod is a bear. At large diameters, it stalls our rod/wire mills, which is why I'm investigating swaging as a means of reduction. I'm trying to do everything to reduce operator error. I was told today that the operator can only control control the speed and feed-rate after the die-gap is set. The alignment is not important because it isn't possible to rigidly-hold the rod once it's being hit by the dies; I should have known that. I should FPI after each reduction just to be on the safe side.

 

[unclesyd]

What type of swaging process are you suing?

You may want to do a anneal between reductions if the material tends to work hardens. Instead of a full anneal you may have to just draw it back a couple of points.
Probably not applicable in your case another problem we ran into was a material was too soft and had to hardened to perform without cracking.