The Effect of Multi-Point Electrical Paths on Global Springback Elimination in Single Point Incremental Forming

Automotive and aerospace industries are interested in implementing die-less forming processes in order to reduce part costs and the required forming energy. One method of die-less forming is incremental forming, in which a sheet metal part is formed; typically with a hemispherical tool that deforms material as it pushes into the material and passes along the surface to create the desired part geometry. One problem with incremental forming is global springback, which occurs after the part has been formed and is released from the forming fixture. This effect is caused by residual stresses that are created during part deformation and result in geometric inaccuracies after the clamping force has been released. In this paper, the effect of post-deformation applied direct current on the springback of pre-formed sheet metal will be investigated. This is a process is a type of electrically assisted manufacturing (EAM). This paper is a continuation of previous works presented at MSEC 2015–2016. The initial feasibility study described herein already achieves a springback reduction of 26.3% and is dependent on the regions of high stress concentration as well as current density. Future work will extend this reduction through further testing of complex configurations.