Application of Replicas in the Measurement of the Wear of Forging Dies with Deep Hollows Using a Laser Scanner

This article discusses the possibilities of using replicas of the geometry of the tool shaping the product in the process of hot precision forging for the control of geometrical characteristics, with the use of the three-dimensional (3D) laser scanning technique. Two types of masses were selected for the studies and used to create replicas with similar parameters, with which a forging die with a deep working impression, applied in the process of forward extrusion, was filled. The obtained results demonstrated that, based on selected parameters characterizing the replicate masses and tests, it is possible to select the optimal mass for 3D scanning, due to the best mapping of the surface layer. With the proposed approach, it is possible to perform tests that do not damage forging dies with deep working impressions and to support the process by making decisions concerning the tools’ further operation through a reliable determination of their wear.