Description
In this paper, a three stage cold heading process of a bolt is modeled using finite element analysis and its die geometries are optimized using a multi-criteria Taguchi approach. The Cockroft and Latham criterion is proposed for assessing likelihood of external cracks and several criteria are investigated and compared to determine the potential for shear band formation. Preform die geometries are then optimized based on the minimization of the likelihood of external cracking and die load.