Hyperion uses Additive Manufacturing to help develop novel drawing die
March 9, 2022
Hyperion Materials & Technologies based in Columbus, Ohio, USA, has collaborated with long-term partner Vassena Filiere SrL, Malgrate, Italy, to design a single device that combines a die and pressure insert into a single piece, leveraging architecture of the two for good lubrication, wear resistance and quality. The patented VBF.4, an extra-long cemented carbide drawing die with a recess carved inside which acts as a pressure insert, is the result.
“It was truly a technological challenge as we had to go outside of conventional manufacturing methods because it was a unique design,” stated Héctor Ferrer, Metal Forming Application Engineer for Hyperion.
During the conceptualisation and development stage of VBF.4 prototype, Additive Manufacturing was chosen as the key manufacturing process as it enabled the production of several prototypes, all of which were able to be independently assessed and adjusted in the field.
Hyperion’s process engineers had one last challenge after settling on a design with Vassena Filiere: to industrialise the product for mass production. A two-step manufacturing process combined pressing a carbide blank with green machining (machining before sintering) was the solution. This manufacturing process allowed Vassena Filiere to receive the product it wanted in a near-net shape geometry, saving time and money.
