Hole-flanging by incremental sheet forming

• Published in: International journal of machine tools & manufacture 2012-08, Vol.59, p.46-54
• Main Authors: Centeno, G., Silva, M.B., Cristino, V.A.M., Vallellano, C., Martins, P.A.F.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Circle grid analysis; Deformation; Economics; Exact sciences and technology; Failure; Formability; Forming; Fracture mechanics (crack, fatigue, damage...); Fundamental areas of phenomenology (including applications); Hole-flanging; Incremental sheet forming; Machine tools; Mechanical engineering. Machine design; Metals. Metallurgy; Other forming methods; Physics; Press forming of metal foils and wires; Production techniques; Rapid prototyping; Sheet metal; Solid mechanics; Structural and continuum mechanics
• ISSN: 0890-6955; 1879-2170
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijmachtools.2012.03.007

Incremental forming of hole-flanges in sheet metal parts is an emerging process with a high potential economic payoff for rapid prototyping and for small quantity production. However, as with all new sheet metal forming processes, there is need for examining its deformation mechanics and describing the physics behind the occurrence of failure. How metal fails, how pre-cut holes influence strain and stress in single point incremental forming, and how these subjects can be brought together in order to understand the overall formability of hole-flanging by multi-stage incremental forming are still not well understood. However, they are of great importance for improving the performance and industrial applicability of the process. This paper attempts to provide a new level of understanding for the process by combining circle grid analysis and independent characterization of the mechanical properties and formability limits of the material with the fabrication of conical and cylindrical hole-flanges. Experimental observations, measured strain paths and material formability limits by necking and fracture allow concluding that hole-flanging by incremental forming gives rise to a new mode of deformation, not found in conventional incremental forming of sheet metal blanks without pre-cut holes, and to failure by fracture without previous localized necking. ► Emerging incremental forming technology for producing hole-flanges in sheet metal parts. ► Deformation mechanics is a combination of stretching under plane strain conditions and bending. ► Strain paths from circle grid analysis highlight the role of bending to avoid the onset of failure. ► Formability is explained in the light of necking and fracture forming limits. ► Multi-stage cylindrical hole-flanging is achievable within a compact range of parameters.