Formability of lightweight alloys by hot incremental sheet forming

In this paper, the performance of a novel manufacturing process, named hot incremental sheet forming, is investigated; this process is characterized by low cost and time saving. Three lightweight alloys, typically utilized in the aircraft and aerospace industries, were formed by supplying a continuous current in order to generate a local heating. The latter allows a higher formability as compared to cold forming. The workability windows of the materials were drawn confirming the approach suitability and allowing a quick process design when a given geometry is desired. Finally, considerations on the microstructural changes and surface roughness were also supplied. The details are, carefully, explained in the manuscript. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.