Investigation of the influence of incremental sheet forming process parameters using response surface methodology

New methods in metal forming are rapidly developing and several forming processes are used to optimize manufacturing components and to reduce cost production. Single Point Incremental Forming (SPIF) is a metal sheet forming process used for rapid prototyping applications and small batch production. This work is dedicated to the investigation of the profile geometry and thickness evolution of a truncated pyramid. The influence of process parameters during a SPIF process is also studied. A numerical response surface methodology with a Design of Experiments (DOE) is used to improve the thickness reduction and the effects of the springback. A set of 16 tests are performed by varying four parameters: tool diameter, forming angle, sheet thickness, and tool path. The Gurson-Tvergaard-Needleman (GTN) damage model is used to analyze the damage evolution during material deformation. It is found that the model can effectively predict the geometrical profile and thickness with an error of less than 4%. Furthermore, it is noticed that the forming angle is the most influential parameter on the thickness reduction and springback level. Finally, the damage evolution is demonstrated to be sensitive to the forming angle.