Novel Five-Axis Forming Press for the Incremental Sheet-Bulk Metal Forming

Abstract

The incremental procedure of sheet-bulk metal forming was classified into two different forming sequences, the discrete and the continuous. Based on these two groups, a movement matrix was developed, which captures required kinematic motions to manufacture a variety of functional components. With the objective of producing near-net-shape workpiece geometries within the Collaborative Research Centre TR73 – sheet-bulk metal forming, the required positioning accuracies of conventional metal forming machines exceed the current state of the art. Therefore, a suitable machine concept was developed and realized. This new machine represents a unique prototype for a flexible application of bulk forming operations to 2 – 3 mm sheets with five motion axes. During continuous forming, such as rolling, and also during simultaneous operations, increased lateral forces prevail. The machine was provided with a high stiffness. That enables a positioning accuracy which, also under load and at rest, correlates the high demands of the sheet-bulk metal forming within a range of ±0.01 mm.