Shape distortion and thickness distribution during SPIF processes: experimental and numerical analysis

Single Point Incremental Forming (SPIF) is a quite new sheet forming process which offers the possibility to deform complex parts without dedicated dies using only a single point tool and a standard 3-axis CNC machine. The process mechanics enables strains much higher than traditional sheet forming processes, but particular attention must be given to the final part geometrical accuracy. In this paper the capabilities of a dedicated explicit numerical model are quantitatively analyzed on pyramid-shaped parts. In particular a comparison between experimental and numerical results is reported. Three different shapes at the varying of the stamping angle were considered and the final shape was acquired, through a white light triangulation based optical scanner, after the removing of the punch and of the clamping fixture. LS-DYNA commercial code was used to simulate the three different case studies, and an explicit loading-implicit unloading approach was implemented in order to simulate also the shape distortions due to springback phenomenon. The effect of several numerical parameters on the final shape and the thickness distribution were investigated. In particular numerical results were analyzed at the varying of the material constituve law, of the shell element type and of the number of integration points along the thickness.