A Novel Modification to the Incremental Forming Process, Part 1: Multi-directional Tooling

Incremental forming (IF) is a novel sheet material forming technique, which has the ability to eliminate the need for die sets. The IF method forms sheet material by use of a non-cutting tool, which gradually deforms the sheet material into the desired shape. In the following works, this research proposes a range of novel tool geometries that allows forming of the sheet material in multiple directions at a rapid rate, allowing for greater formability, improved surface finish, and reduced springback. Additionally, several tool features are proposed which achieve this forming motion. Part 1 of this research describes the design of the tooling, as well as variations that are possible with the tool's geometry. In part 2 of this research, the proposed forming method is validated.

增量成形（IF）是一种新颖的板材成形技术，它能够省去模具组。增量成形方法通过使用一个非切削刀具对板材进行成形，该刀具使板材逐渐变形为所需的形状。在接下来的工作中，这项研究提出了一系列新颖的刀具几何形状，这些形状能够使板材快速地在多个方向上成形，从而具有更好的成形性、改善的表面光洁度以及减少的回弹。此外，还提出了实现这种成形运动的若干刀具特征。这项研究的第一部分描述了刀具的设计以及刀具几何形状可能存在的变化。在研究的第二部分，对所提出的成形方法进行了验证。