Process design is an extensive engineering study carried out as an initial step of the production. Even though only a small portion of the total production time is used for the process design, almost 80% of the total cost is fixed during this stage.
Process design comprises of:
- Material selection
- Optimization of the final part geometry for formability
- Determination of the initial billet/slab dimensions
- Forming sequence design
- Press selection
- Tool design
- Selection of the proper surface treatment, lubrication and heating/cooling methods
- Defining the specifications after heat treatment
- Selection of the coating type
- Determination of the necessary test and inspection methods