Abstract
In this study, we developed a new carrier finger to prevent scratches in a sheet metal forming line. The developed carrier finger was designed to have a streamlined shape with a larger radius of curvature at the edges, as well as a smaller contact area. To evaluate the scratch alleviation effect, a sliding contact analysis and scratch test using the pin on a plate wear tester were conducted for both the old and new carrier fingers. The results show that, for both transverse and longitudinal movements of the strip, the newly designed carrier finger reduces both the friction and scratch depth by its streamlined shape, which decreases the pressure spike at the edge.