Implementing new Approaches of Digitization in Conventional Metal Forming Processes: A German perspective

The Institute for Metal Forming Technology (IFU) at the University of Stuttgart / Germany since more than six years strongly strives to future oriented research work focusing on far-reaching concepts for digitization of metal forming processes. Main activities of engaged research groups are integrating sensors and actuators into metal forming machines or dies to analyse process data gained that way. Also, development of advanced methods for production data mining are related to those fields of activities. The paper therefore highlights strategies and practical applications of such digitization concepts. Also, important issues in terms of metal forming production processes will be addressed such as avoidance of scrap during ramp up phases and batch processing. Finally, the practical use of machine learning algorithms will be demonstrated in real trimming and metal forming processes.