Incremental sheet forming parameters and applications: a review

Abstract

The present work introduces a literature review on the Incremental Sheet Forming process application and main parameters. This process is used to manufacture small batches of parts and formed sheets prototypes, as a semi-spherical-tipped tool yields form to a sheet using a pre-defined trajectory and various step-downs (Δz). In this work we describe the Incremental Sheet Forming process variations, application examples, the types of machines used and the diagram characteristics that describe the formed material’s strain limits. The article also presents a detailed study on the influence of the main strength parameters required to execute the process, material formability, surface finishing and final product accuracy.

Predicting maximum force in SPIF for different materials

“…In Single Point Incremental Forming (SPIF), the final shape of the piece being manufactured is defined by the hemispheric-tipped tool's trajectory, which progressively deforms a plane sheet [1]. This is a flexible process that does not require dedicated tools [2] and can be used in the fabrication of individual parts or small lots of parts [3,4].…”