Tool Path Generation for Free Form Surfaces in Robot-Based Incremental Sheet Metal Forming

Abstract

This paper describes a new development in incremental, robot-based sheet metal forming (Roboforming). Roboforming is a dieless sheet metal forming process which ensures cost-effective manufacturing of prototype parts and small batches. Its principle is based on flexible shaping by means of a freely programmable path synchronous movement of two industrial robots driving work-piece independent forming tools. The final shape is produced by the incremental inward motion of the forming tool in depth direction and i…