In this paper a forward-backward can extrusion process are analyzed by using rigid-plastic FEM simulation. FEM simulation is conducted to investigate forming characteristics such as deformation modes for different process parameters. Design parameters such as thickness ratio, punch angle, friction factor and diameter ratio are selected to study the effect of them on the pattern of material flow. The analysis is focused mainly on the influences of the design factors on deformation pattern in terms of forming load, extruded length ratio and volume ratio. It is known for the simulation that the forming load, the length ratio and the volume ratio increase as the thickness ratio (TR), the wall thickness in forward direction to that in backward direction, decreases. The various punch angles have slight influence on the forming load, length ratio and volume ratio. However friction factor have little effect on the forming characteristics such as the forming load, volume ratio and so on. In addition the forming load increases as diameter ratio (DR), the outer diameter of a can in forward direction to that in backward direction, increases. Furthermore the extruded length ratio is lowest with a certain value of DR＝0.85 among diameter ratios. Pressure distribution exerted on the die-material interface is illustrated schematically.
