Incremental Single Point Forming

Abstract

Abstract The process of single point incremental micro-plastic forming is presented. This process is used to form sheet metal into complicated shapes without the use of either a male or female die. The process uses a single point tool which plastically deforms sheet metal to give a local micro-deformation. By doing this incrementally, and controlling the tool path with a CNC mill, the plastically deformed points are, in effect, added as the tool moves to give a final shape. The sheet metal is held in place by a blank-holder which moves in a vertical plane on four posts. Deformation of the strip can be achieved in one of two ways: either with a supporting, fixed tool about which the single point forming tool moves or by inversion of the process in which the supporting, fixed tool is not used. The paper describes experiments with both techniques.