Numerical Simulation of Multipoint Forming with Circular Die Pins in Hexagonal Packing

Multipoint forming (MPF) in flexible forming technology, from the previous research of multipoint forming, the configuration of the upper and lower punch matrices were configured in square packing. In this paper, model of multipoint forming configuration was developed and the numerical simulation was performed to investigate the influence of the proposed pins arrangement, hexagonal packing. The packing density in hexagonal arrangement is higher than in square one. The deformation process in multipoint forming with hexagonal packing is evaluated in terms of stress and strains distribution. The results demonstrated that forming tool with hexagonal packing is more efficient than pins arranged in square packing. But dimples and wrinkles as the typical defect of multipoint forming was inevitable consequences of discontinuous contact between the punches and workpiece, appeared. The dimpling phenomenon is more present in MPF with hexagonal packing than with square packing.