Abstract: The rational design of blank sizes is the foundation and premise for the optimum design of radial-axial ring rolling (RARR) process, and has great significance for successfully establishing the RARR process and for obtaining ring parts with precise dimensions and favourable microstructure and performance by process optimization including blank optimum design. Aiming at the RARR process with rectangular ring blank, a design method of blank sizes based on rolling ratio and the ratio of deformations in the radial and axial directions of the blank is presented, the formulas and procedures for the calculation of the blank sizes are given, and the features and the applied range of the presented method are discussed. The method can be used to design multiple blanks with different rolling ratio and the ratio of deformations in the radial and axial directions of the blank for the same desired ring part based on the volume conservation principle. The results of this work provide foundation and method for the investigations on the deformation behaviour, process laws, process optimization including blank optimum design, and integrated regulation on the shape and performance of the ring products.

Key words: Blank sizes design, Process optimum design, Radial-axial ring rolling, Ratio of deformations in radial and axial directions of the blank, Rolling ratio