Single Point Incremental Forming Limits Using a Boxbehnken Design of Experiment

Abstract

Single Point Incremental Forming (SPIF) is a new method of forming sheet metal for which not all forming limits and forming parameters are yet completely understood. In this paper, a Box-Behnken design of experiment (DOE) is used to execute an experimental study used to determine the forming limits in Single Point Incremental Forming (SPIF). The Box-Behnken allows for good accuracy in defining a surface response for a relatively low number of experimental runs – hence its usefulness in experimental work. The Box-Behnken used in this paper solved five factors at three levels in forty six runs. The five factors analyzed are based on the most critical factors effecting SPIF; they are material type, material thickness, formed shape, tool size and incremental step size (depth of each step in form). The data resulting from the Box-Behnken progressed into graphical response surfaces; the response surfaces allow designers to determine what factors they need to select in order to successfully form a part using SPIF.