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Metal forming processes operate in conditions of uncertainty due to parameter variation and imperfect understanding. This uncertainty leads to a degradation of product properties from customer specifications, which can be reduced by the use of closed-loop control. A framework of analysis is presented for understanding closed-loop control in metal forming, allowing an assessment of current and future developments in actuators, sensors and models. This leads to a survey of current and emerging applications across a broad spectrum of metal forming processes, and a discussion of likely developments

Asymmetric incremental sheet forming (AISF) is a manufacturing process for the small batch production of sheet metal parts. In AISF, a sheet metal part is formed by a forming tool that moves under CNC control. AISF currently has two dominant process limits: sheet thinning and a limited geometric accuracy. This paper focuses on the latter limit. It is shown with a pyramidal part that multistage forming can yield an increased accuracy compared to single-stage forming. However, due to residual stresses induced during forming, the accuracy of the as-formed part can be lost if the part is trimmed after forming. A case study with a car fender section shows that the geometric accuracy of the final part can be improved compared to single-stage forming by a combination of multi-stage forming and stress-relief annealing before trimming.

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Asymmetric Incremental Sheet Forming (AISF) is a relatively new manufacturing process. In AISF, a CNC driven forming tool imposes a localized plastic deformation as it moves along the contour of the desired part. Thus, the final shape is obtained by a sequence of localized plastic deformations. AISF is suitable for small series production of sheet metal parts as needed in aeronautical and medical applications. Two main process limits restrict the range of application of AISF in these fields. These are the low geometrical accuracy of parts made from titanium alloys or high strength steels and, for titanium alloys, the limited formability at room temperature. In this paper a new concept for laser-assisted AISF is introduced including the required components. Furthermore, the CAX tools used for programming the NC path for the forming tool and the laser spot are illustrated. First experimental results show that the formability of the alloy Ti Grade 5 (TiAl6V4), which is usu ally used in aeronautic applications, can be increased