Advanced and new developments in bulk metal forming

Increasing demands to manufacturing industry of faster, better and cheaper production has intensified the research and development of bulk metal forming. The present paper gives examples on European industrial research on secondary bulk metal forming processes. The R&D follows three lines of approach, 1. the classical process development, 2. development of physical as well as numerical modelling techniques and 3. the thematic approach, where integrated analysis of the interactions between workpiece, tool and press are now possible with objectives like prediction of workpiece defects or resulting product properties, obtaining near-net-shape or prediction of tool life.