Multi-point forming technology for sheet metal

Multi-point forming (MPF) is an advanced manufacturing technology for three-dimensional sheet metal parts. In this paper, an MPF integrated system is described that can form a variety of part shapes without the need for solid dies, and given only geometry and material information about the desired part. The central component of this system is a pair of matrices of punches, and the desired discrete die surface is constructed by changing the positions of the punches though CAD and a control system. Typical examples show the applicability of the MPF technology. Wrinkles and dimples are the major forming defects in the MPF process, but numerical simulation is a feasible way to predict forming defects in MPF. In conventional stamping, the method to form sheet metal with a blankholder is an effective way to suppress wrinkling; and the same is true in MPF. An MPF press with a flexible blankholder was developed, and the forming results indicated the forming stability of this technique. Based on the flexibility of MPF, varying deformation path MPF and sectional MPF were explored that cannot be realized in conventional stamping. By controlling each punch in real-time, a sheet part can be manufactured along a specific forming path. When the path of deformation in MPF is designed properly, forming defects will be avoided completely and large deformation achieved. A workpiece can be formed section by section though the sectional MPF, and this technique makes it possible to manufacture large size parts in a small MPF press. Some critical experiments were performed that confirmed the validity of the two special MPF techniques. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.