The use of rapid microstructure analysis for qualilty assurance and process optimization in the wire manufacturing

• Applicants: Professor Dr.-Ing. Rudolf Kawalla; Professor Dr. David Rafaja
• Subject Area: Primary Shaping and Reshaping Technology, Additive Manufacturing
• Term: from 2013 to 2017
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 232633026

For the purpose of quality control a fast method for microstructural analysis (SMA) was developed within the DFG - priority program 1204. The method developed was tested for selected steel grades using a continuous process chain for rod production. First the method was tested in a laboratory scale. The method is based on the analysis of X-ray diffraction pattern (XRD). Herein the deformation state together with the results of SMA, optical microscopy as well as mechanical tests were stored and correlated in a data base. On the basis of these data base a fast correlation between microstructure characteristics and SMA for a given material is possible.A verification of the developed method in practical application and a further development in relation to industrial requirements is the goal of the transfer project.Additional, a further extension of the data base of SMA-property-microstructure-correlations to a wider spectrum of practical relevant materials is planned.Therefore the focus of the planned investigations is on steel grades with a more complex microstructure and its development during the whole process chain of rolling, rod drawing and spring production.Models developed within the investigations in the SMA-data base will be the foundation for a simulation of the microstructure evolution within the process chain as well as a tool for the quality management tasks inspection or process optimization.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants (Transfer Project)
• Participating Institution: Arcelor Mittal Hamburg GmbH; Brand KG; WDI - Westfälische Drahtindustrie GmbH; Werk Rothenburg