Incremental sheet forming

About: Incremental sheet forming is a research topic. Over the lifetime, 877 publications have been published within this topic receiving 13132 citations.

Single point incremental forming: state-of-the-art and prospects

Abstract: Incremental sheet metal forming in general and Single Point Incremental Forming (SPIF) specifically have gone through a period of intensive development with growing attention from research institutes worldwide. The result of these efforts is significant progress in the understanding of the underlying forming mechanisms and opportunities as well as limitations associated with this category of flexible forming processes. Furthermore, creative process design efforts have enhanced the process capabilities and process planning methods. Also, simulation capabilities have evolved substantially. This review paper aims to provide an overview of the body of knowledge with respect to Single Point Incremental Forming. Without claiming to be exhaustive, each section aims for an up-to-date state-of-the-art review with corresponding conclusions on scientific progress and outlook on expected further developments.

The Increased Forming Limits of Incremental Sheet Forming Processes

Abstract: Incremental sheet forming is known to give higher forming limits than conventional sheet forming processes, but investigation of this effect has been impeded by the computational cost of process models which include detailed predictions of through thickness behaviour. Here, a simplified process is used to gain insight into the mechanics of a broad class of incremental forming processes. The simplified process is described and shown to give increases in forming limits compared to a conventional process with the same geometry. A model of the process is set up with a commercial finite element package, validated, and used to trace the history of a ‘pin’ inserted perpendicularly into the workpiece. The history of the deformation of the ‘pin’ demonstrates significant through thickness shear occurring in the direction parallel to tool motion. This insight is used to modify an existing analysis used to predict forming limit curves. The analysis shows that for a sheet with uniform proportional loading, the forming limit is increased when through thickness shear is present, and this is proposed as an explanation for the increased forming limits of incremental sheet forming processes.

Strategies to improve the geometric accuracy in asymmetric single point incremental forming

Abstract: Asymmetric incremental sheet forming (AISF) is a manufacturing process for the small batch production of sheet metal parts. In AISF, a sheet metal part is formed by a forming tool that moves under CNC control. AISF currently has two dominant process limits: sheet thinning and a limited geometric accuracy. This paper focuses on the latter limit. It is shown with a pyramidal part that multi-stage forming can yield an increased accuracy compared to single-stage forming. However, due to residual stresses induced during forming, the accuracy of the as-formed part can be lost if the part is trimmed after forming. A case study with a car fender section shows that the geometric accuracy of the final part can be improved compared to single-stage forming by a combination of multi-stage forming and stress-relief annealing before trimming.