Role of Additive Manufacturing in Development of Forming Tools and Dies for Sheet Metal Forming: A Review

Abstract

Price and time are two major concerns in the industry which encourages the development and manufacturing of new dies for sheet metal forming applications. Additive manufacturing (AM) and rapid tooling (RT) are now emerging techniques for producing cost-effective and fast production of sheet metal forming dies with excellent mechanical and wear resistance properties. The paper gives an insight into AM processes that were implemented in the tooling industry to enhance moulding efficiency and sheet metal forming processes. The advantages and challenges observed in using AM are highlighted and discussed as opposed to traditional tooling. The RT processes used in moulding and sheet metal formation are addressed, and their limitations are highlighted. The paper also discusses several possible application areas in which AM technologies can be used further to enhance the efficiency of the devices. Finally, discussion on current issues related to the use of AM in tooling has been presented.