Experimental investigation on the thermoelectric current during embossing of Aluminum EN AW 1050

Aluminum is one of the most important materials for lightweight constructions, which has been leading to a steady increase in its consumption for years. Many parts are manufactured by cold forming or blanking. Due to the strong tendency to adhesion, aluminum processing is a big challenge. Adhesive wear deteriorates quality of the formed parts and shortens service times of tools. Minimizing wear is the main goal and only possible by improving the understanding of all wear causing interactions. Beside temperature, thermoelectric currents influence the occurring adhesive wear significantly. In order to understand the relationship between thermoelectric currents and wear, a precise measurement of the occurring currents during manufacturing processes is necessary. Therefore, lubricated and dry embossing and blanking operations with the aluminum alloy EN AW 1050 are carried out and the occurring thermoelectric currents are measured.