A punch hole forming method and a punch hole forming device that can suppress a decrease in the temperature of a workpiece due to a machining tool when a hole is formed by punching the workpiece using the machining tool. In the punch hole forming method, when a workpiece that is a plate-like member having a thickness of 0.01 mm or more and 1 mm or less is placed on a die, and a hole is formed by punching the workpiece in the thickness direction using a punch, the workpiece is kept at a temperature at which the workpiece can be punched at least during formation of the hole.

A method of manufacturing a punch, such as a socket punch, using wire EDM with at least six steps. The method involves forming a blank, holding the blank with an adapter, machining grooves in the blank, manufacturing a side relief of a working portion using wire EDM, milling the working portion to a final size, and forming a cone point on the end of the working portion. The method allows the punch to be manufactured more quickly and from a CAD model, therefore removing the need for over-specialized equipment and improving manufacturing times.

A method of manufacturing a punch, such as a socket punch, using wire EDM with at least six steps. The method involves forming a blank, holding the blank with an adapter, machining grooves in the blank, manufacturing a side relief of a working portion using wire EDM, milling the working portion to a final size, and forming a cone point on the end of the working portion. The method allows the punch to be manufactured more quickly and from a CAD model, therefore removing the need for over-specialized equipment and improving manufacturing times.

A method of producing aluminum cans, including an ironing step using an ironing die (30). The ironing die has a carbon film (50) formed as to cover a working surface thereof. The carbon film exhibits a Raman spectrum such that an intensity ratio represented by I.sub.D/I.sub.G wherein I.sub.D is a maximum peak intensity at 133310 cm.sup.1 in the Raman spectrum of the surface of said carbon film, and I.sub.G is a maximum peak intensity at 1500100 cm.sup.1 in the Raman spectrum of the surface of said carbon film, is not less than 1.2. The surface of the carbon film is a smooth surface having an arithmetic mean roughness R of not more than 0.05 m. Further, the ironing step includes iron-working an aluminum sheet in a dry process using no lubricant while maintaining an ironing ratio in excess of 40%.

A method of producing aluminum cans, including an ironing step using an ironing die (30). The ironing die has a carbon film (50) formed as to cover a working surface thereof. The carbon film exhibits a Raman spectrum such that an intensity ratio represented by I.sub.D/I.sub.G wherein I.sub.D is a maximum peak intensity at 133310 cm.sup.1 in the Raman spectrum of the surface of said carbon film, and I.sub.G is a maximum peak intensity at 1500100 cm.sup.1 in the Raman spectrum of the surface of said carbon film, is not less than 1.2. The surface of the carbon film is a smooth surface having an arithmetic mean roughness R of not more than 0.05 m. Further, the ironing step includes iron-working an aluminum sheet in a dry process using no lubricant while maintaining an ironing ratio in excess of 40%.

An apparatus for localized patterned surface hardening for light-weight alloys to increase wear resistance under lubricated contact is provided. The apparatus includes a first metallic structure and a second metallic structure. The second metallic structure includes a contact surface and is disposed in lubricated contact with the first metallic structure at the contact surface, wherein the second metallic structure is constructed with a lighter-than-steel material and wherein the contact surface includes a localized surface hardened pattern.

An apparatus for localized patterned surface hardening for light-weight alloys to increase wear resistance under lubricated contact is provided. The apparatus includes a first metallic structure and a second metallic structure. The second metallic structure includes a contact surface and is disposed in lubricated contact with the first metallic structure at the contact surface, wherein the second metallic structure is constructed with a lighter-than-steel material and wherein the contact surface includes a localized surface hardened pattern.

Various embodiments provide methods in which a metal matrix composite (MMC) material is incorporated into a metallic structure during a one-step near-net-shape structural forming process. Various embodiments provide in-situ selective reinforcement processes in which the MMC may be pre-placed on a forming tool in locations that correspond to specific regions in the metallic structure. Various embodiment near-net-shape structural forming processes may then be executed and result in various embodiment metallic structural components with selectively-reinforced regions that provide enhanced mechanical properties in key locations.

Various embodiments provide methods in which a metal matrix composite (MMC) material is incorporated into a metallic structure during a one-step near-net-shape structural forming process. Various embodiments provide in-situ selective reinforcement processes in which the MMC may be pre-placed on a forming tool in locations that correspond to specific regions in the metallic structure. Various embodiment near-net-shape structural forming processes may then be executed and result in various embodiment metallic structural components with selectively-reinforced regions that provide enhanced mechanical properties in key locations.

A metallic worked article suppressing the worked surfaces from being scratched during the plastic work that is conducted aiming at reducing the thickness or decreasing the diameter. The metallic worked article has a reduced thickness or a decreased diameter as obtained through the plastic work, wherein on the worked surface thereof, the ratio Ra1/Ra2 of an arithmetic mean roughness Ra1 measured in a direction at right angles with the direction of working and an arithmetic mean roughness Ra2 measured in the direction of working, is from 0.5 to 1.5.