Investigation of the geometrical accuracy and thickness distribution using 3D laser scanning of AA2024-T3 sheets formed by SPIF

Abstract

Incremental sheet forming (ISF) is developed in order to meet the increasing demand for sheet metal forming and because it is a more economical method. First of all, this method gains attention become it is a die-less method. Furthermore, process flexibility and higher formability are other advantages of this method. In this study, AA2024-T3 sheets with a determined geometry and parameters were formed using the ISF method. Among the forming process parameters, tool path, step size and lubrication parameters were changed. The tool diameter, feed rate, spindle speed, angle of the wall and the tool coating parameters were kept constant. The thickness distributions and geometrical accuracy of the processed samples with the three-dimensional laser scanning method were examined accurately. It is clear from the results that the tool path that spirals and always keeps in touch is more successful than the tool path that makes it an incremental process. ISF is preferable to die production for limited production runs because it is more economic and the processing time is short.