Abstract
The drum clutch investigated in this study is formed in 5 forming steps, which are 1st deep drawing, 2nd deep drawing, restriking, embossing, and $Grob^{TM}$ processes. Dimensional accuracy of the final products greatly depends upon how much more accurate pre-form is manufactured in the previous forming processes before the $Grob^{TM}$ process. The deep drawing, restriking and embossing processes in which the pre-form is formed are very important and decisive steps. Thus in some cases, excessive strain by these operations causes dimensional inaccuracy and cracks initiated from the base and wall of the product. Process variables such as the punch shapes both of 1st and 2nd deep drawing, and punch angle were selected to evaluate the deformation characteristics. The optimum parameters were determined from forming simulations using commercial FEM codes, DEFORM and Tauchi method, specifically developed for metal forming simulation. Finally, experiments for the whole drum clutch forming processes were carried out to verify the optimized forming parameters and the analytical results.