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Automatic feature recognition and tool path strategies for enhancing accuracy in double sided incremental forming

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Abstract

Incremental sheet forming (ISF) has demonstrated significant potential to form complex three-dimensional parts without using component-specific tools and is suitable for economically fabricating low-volume functional sheet metal parts. Single-point incremental forming (SPIF) uses only one tool to form components and requires additional setup to form complex geometries. Double-sided incremental forming (DSIF), using two tools (one on either side of the sheet), can form features from top and bottom of sheet in single setup. While forming components with multiple features, the accuracy of component depends on the tool path strategy used for each feature and sequence in which features are formed. Methodologies are developed to recognise features from free-form components modeled using single and/or multiple surfaces. Recognised features are sliced using horizontal, inclined or offset strategies (developed during the present work) based on the geometrical characteristics of a given feature. Selection of best-forming sequence is automated based on the relation between features and process mechanics. Results presented in this paper show that complex free-form geometries can be formed with good accuracy using proposed methodologies. Maximum deviation between the measured and ideal profiles is less than 400 μm, while using right sequence and appropriate tool path strategy.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad, Kandi, Telangana, 502 285, India

    R. Lingam & N. V. Reddy

  2. Boeing Research and Technology-India Centre, 3rd Floor, Block B, RMZ Infinity, Old Madras Road, Bangalore, 560016, India

    Om Prakash

  3. Boeing Research and Technology, 8900 Frost Avenue, Berkeley, MO, 63134, USA

    J. H. Belk

Authors
  1. R. Lingam
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  2. Om Prakash
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  3. J. H. Belk
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  4. N. V. Reddy
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Correspondence to N. V. Reddy.

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Lingam, R., Prakash, O., Belk, J.H. et al. Automatic feature recognition and tool path strategies for enhancing accuracy in double sided incremental forming. Int J Adv Manuf Technol 88, 1639–1655 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00170-016-8880-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00170-016-8880-1

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