Process Characterization of Sheet Metal Spinning by Means of Finite Elements

Abstract

Sheet Metal Spinning is a flexible manufacturing process for axially-symmetric hollow components. While the process itself is already known for centuries, process planning is still based on undocumented expertise, thus requiring specialized craftsmen for new process layouts. Current process descriptions indicate a vast scope of different dynamic influences while the underlying mechanical model uses a simple static approach. Thus, a 3D Finite Element Model of the process has been set up at IUL in order to analyze the process in detail, providing online as well as cross sectional data of the specimen formed. Within the scope of this article, the results of the above mentioned Finite Element Analysis (FEA) are presented and discussed with respect to the qualitative stress distributions introduced in the existing theoretical models. Main emphasis of this paper is set on a discussion of the qualitative stress distribution, which is, to the current state, only known in theory.