Finite Element and Experimental Investigation of Multi-stage Deep Drawing of Stainless Steel 304 Sheets at Elevated Temperature

In this study, multi-stage hot deep drawing of an SS304 sheet of 0.5 mm thick at elevated temperatures (600, 700 and 900 °C) has been investigated numerically. Initially, uniaxial tensile properties and the plastic strain ratio of the SS304 sheet was evaluated at different temperatures. These experimental values were then used in a finite element (FE) simulation to simulate the multi-stage hot deep drawing process. The results obtained from the simulation, such as blank holding force, peak deep drawing force, and distribution of strain, were discussed. A strain non-uniformity index (SNI) was used to predict failure of the deep drawn cup during deformation at elevated temperatures. In addition, the effect of blank holding force and temperature on wrinkling, earing, and thinning of the deep drawn cup were analyzed. Finally, the required deep drawn cup can be manufactured based on the outcomes of the numerical simulation of deformation of the SS304 sheet.