The enhancement of thickness distribution and dimension accuracy using hybrid method: multi-point forming process combines with single-point incremental forming process

Abstract

The multi-point forming (MPF) process and single-point incremental forming (SPIF) process are the modern pliable manufacturing technique utilized successfully in many industrial applications. The main problems of MPF process are wrinkle and dimple that happened in final product, while the main problem of SPIF process is thickness distribution, geometric accuracy and forming time.

This paper focuses on a new hybrid process, the combination of MPF and SPIF. The positive impact of this hybrid process on the process limits. The experimental results show that the hybrid forming process could achieve sheet parts with more uniform thickness distribution, minimum spring back, reduced forming time and without dimple. With addition to distribution of thickness, the local deformation that happened when using SPIF process caused internal problem on structure was elimination and the strain hardening of forming product was decrease. The data required was generated, compared and evaluated to the proposed models that obtained from the experiments.