Measurement of the Lubricant Thickness for Metalforming by Beta Backscatter (CAT#: STEM-ST-0170-YJL)

Introduction

Stamping (metal forming) is an extremely critical step in automobile manufacturing. Stamping line problems in an automobile assembly plant can quickly shut down an entire facility within a short period of time if the situation persists uncorrected. New cars cannot be completed without having the necessary formed body parts. Downtime on the presses is such a critical issue that it is regularly tracked by “minutes per month.”
When problems on the stamping production line such as ripping or tearing of the metal body panels occurs, press line personnel have to quickly determine whether the problems are due to an issue with the stamping press, the steel substrate, the forming die, or from the thickness of the forming lubricant. The capability to quickly determine the lubricant thickness eliminates one of the possible causes, allowing engineers to more easily establish the actual reason for the trouble.