Analysis of single-operation cold forging of a hollow ball from a tubular billet

The article reports the results of an experimental and theoretical study of a single-stage cold forging process. This process was used to produce hollow balls with an outside diameter of 30 mm, with two central openings. The forgings were made from tubular aluminum alloy billets with wall thicknesses of 3 mm and 4 mm. The other dimensions of the billets (outer diameter and height) were varied, always making sure that the volume of the forging remained constant. The results of the study were discussed with a special focus on forming conditions, quality of the forging, potential limitations of the process, and the impact of billet dimensions (also expressed as non-dimensional slenderness ratios) on the conditions of the forming process.