The benefit of a glass die relative to a metal die in microforming

Abstract

Abstract This study investigated the application of a glass die in the forming of microproducts. Lower surface friction and better material flow are achieved in the microforming process when using a glass die than when using a metal die. In contrast to metal dies, glass dies need not repeatedly polished or coated to maintain their smooth surface. Moreover, lubrication is required in the microforming process in the case of a metal die but not glass die. We performed simulated and experimental double-cup extrusion tests on glass dies and found that glass dies affect the direction of material flow. Overall, this study demonstrates that a larger contact area between the billet and the die, a lower friction force, better material flow at specific locations, and a smaller difference between internal and external flows can be achieved when using a glass die in the microforming process than when using a metal die in this process.