Effect of hybrid tool surface technologies on the wear performance of thin sheet shearing punches

The gradual wear of materials leads to geometric changes in tools, which in turn affects the shape of parts in metal forming processes. As a result, enhancing the surfaces of forming tools to extend their lifespan remains an ongoing challenge. An innovative method to further boost surface hardness and deepen the hardened layer of metal forming tools involves applying severe shot peening (SSP) before nitriding. In the current study, effect of hardening, SSP, plasma nitriding as well as their combination on the tool life of shear cutting tools have been investigated.