多点成形压力机及成形工艺的最新进展

多点成形技术是金属板材三维曲面成形的新技术 ,与传统的整体模具板材成形工艺相比 ,多点成形压力机有许多优点 ,可以实现三维板类件既经济又快速的柔性成形。本文介绍了多点成形压力机系列规格参数、设备构成原理及其成形工艺。重点论述了几个现有的多点成形压力机的技术参数、调形方式的重大改进及多点成形技术应用领域的不断扩大。     

Formability analysis on the process of multi-point forming for titanium alloy retiary sheet

The multi-point forming (MPF) process of spherical surface parts of titanium alloy retiary sheet and titanium alloy sheet metal with different thickness and curvature radius was simulated by an explicit finite element software. Contradistinctive analysis between retiary sheet and sheet metal forming parts with different modes were done. The simulation results show that under the same forming conditions, titanium alloy retiary sheet is not easy to wrinkle and springback, whereas it is easy to form. The reason for differences in the formability of above-mentioned sheet metal is also analyzed. A non-wrinkling limited graph and a fracture critical graph for spherical surface parts of retiary metal sheet and metal sheet were obtained. Finally a forming test of titanium alloy cranial prosthesis was done in MPF press. Testing results indicate the customized 3D curved surface of prosthesis can be adequately shaped and the forming quality was guaranteed.     

Research on three-dimensional surface parts in multi-gripper flexible stretch forming

Multi-gripper flexible stretch forming (MGFSF) is a novel flexible forming process of sheet metal based on the multi-point forming principle. The straight jaws in traditional transverse stretch forming (TSF) are replaced by several discrete clamping mechanisms on both sides. To help understand the forming characters of MGFSF, spherical and concave–convex parts were selected as the research objects and finite element analyses on TSF and MGFSF were implemented using an explicit nonlinear finite element code. The influence of the transition length on the forming results in MGFSF was also taken into account in the present work. The simulation results reveal that a shorter transition length in MGFSF would result in an easier conformability of the sheet metal to the desired shape as well as a smaller strain variation in the forming zone. It is also found that, compared to TSF, the sheet metal can be formed without transition zone by utilizing MGFSF, which could significantly improve the material utilization and save the manufacturing costs. Finally, experimental validations were conducted on the self-developed MGFSF apparatus and the experimental results show a good agreement with the numerical results.     

Numerical investigation of multi-point forming process for sheet metal: wrinkling, dimpling and springback

Multi-point forming (MPF) is a new flexible technique for manufacturing three-dimensional sheet metal parts. In this procedure, a pair of opposed matrices of punch elements substitute for the conventional fixed shape die sets, and the sheet metal can be formed rapidly between the matrices. Extensive numerical simulations of the processes for forming spherical and saddle-shaped parts were carried out by dynamic explicit finite element analysis. The contacting process between sheet metal and punch elements in MPF was investigated, and the variations of forming force with respect to the tool travel were analyzed. The wrinkling processes were simulated, and the MPF limit curves without wrinkles for spherical and saddle-shaped parts were obtained. Dimple is a particular defect in MPF, through the comparison of the thickness strains calculated by solid FE and shell FE, the finite elements appropriate for the numerical analysis of dimpling were detected, and the limit forming force without dimples was determined. Springback processes of MPF were simulated based on explicit-implicit algorithm. The springbacks and their distributions under different conditions were investigated.     

板材多点成形不同工艺方法的数值模拟研究

介绍了板材多点成形不同工艺方法的优缺点,基于有限元方法就多点成形不同工艺对压痕、超皱、回弹以及制品成形精度的影响进行了数值模拟研究,并且对不同厚度板条多点成形模拟结果进行了实验验证。结果表明,与多点模具成形、半多点模具成形和半多点压机成形方式相比,多点压机成形能够有效地抑制压痕和皱纹的产生,并得到变形均匀的制品;反复成开法可有效减小回弹,提高成形精度;边部优先成形法能够有效地抑制制品的直边效应。     

Study of multi-point forming for polycarbonate sheet

The multi-point forming (MPF) process of polycarbonate (PC) sheet is introduced briefly, geometrical relationship between objective surface and punch element is determined, and a simple calculation scheme of punch height is developed. Numerical simulations of spherical and saddle-shaped parts are carried out by dynamic explicit finite element analysis; the effects of forming temperature, forming pressure, punch matrix, and punch radius on the forming quality are investigated, and the suitable forming parameters are determined. Then, the MPF experiments of PC sheet for spherical and saddle-shaped parts based on the forming parameters are done, and the comparisons of shape error between experimental parts and object surfaces are carried out. Consequently, the PC products have good shape accuracy, which confirms that MPF used for forming PC sheet is feasible and the forming parameters obtained by numerical simulation are sensible.     

大型板材离散多点成形工艺及装备研究

针对大型板材的冲压成形问题,提出了一种离散多点成形工艺。介绍了此工艺中模具及柔性杆的结构。与已有的多点成形工艺——杆系柔性成形和活络方形压头非对压技术相比,离散多点成形工艺在大型板材成形过程中有其自身的优势。     

Numerical simulations on reducing the unloading springback with multi-step multi-point forming technology

Multi-point forming (MPF) is an innovative flexible manufacturing technology for three-dimensional sheet metal forming. It replaces the conventional solid dies with a set of height-adjustable discrete punches, called the “punch group”. A set of punches can construct various three-dimensional curved surfaces freely and conveniently, through adjusting the relative position of each punch. MPF technology not only saves a significant amount of money and time in the design, manufacture, and adjusting of the dies but it can also be applied to change the deformation path and to improve the forming quality. Unloading springback is an inevitable phenomenon in sheet metal forming using MPF. To control and reduce springback, numerical simulations for the MPF process and the unloading springback are carried out using the explicit-implicit coupled finite element method. Subsequently, influencing factors such as thickness, deformation amount, and material properties of MPF springback are researched to investigate the MPF springback tendency. Next, the multi-step MPF technology is introduced to reduce MPF springback. Based on numerical simulation analysis, it is obviously validated that the unloading springback is decreased when the multi-step MPF method is applied. Finally, it is verified that the equidifferent deformation path and small deformation amount of each forming step can improve the workpiece stress state and minimize the unloading springback effectively by an evaluation result of the deformation path effect on the multi-step MPF.     

Generation and suppression of local severe plastic deformation in sectional multi-point forming

Sectional multi-point forming (SMPF) technology provides a new solution for forming large-size sheet metal. With this technique, large-size parts of sheet metal can be manufactured on a smaller multi-point forming press. But the force status and deformation of the workpiece are complicated in SMPF; the local severe plastic deformation will be produced easily in the transition region, and strain-hardening will be commonly produced subsequently. The hardening is difficult to eliminate in subsequent processes, which will largely affect the final deformation quality. In this paper, the generation of local severe plastic deformation was discussed; NURBS-based modeling method was used to construct the shape of the assortative region to suppress the defect. Experiments proved that the method is fairly effective. Finally, a plan was suggested to raise further the forming limit of materials and enhance the work efficiency by combining multi-point press forming with assortative region method.     

Numerical simulation on the local stress and local deformation in multi-point stretch forming process

Multi-point stretch forming (MPSF) is a new flexible forming technique to form aircraft outer skin parts. The multi-point stretching die (MPSD) replaces the traditional fixed shape stretching die, and the sheet metal is formed over a MPSD composed by the punch element. The MPSD is a discontinuous surface of discrete stretching die, and the stress concentration and local strain occur on formed parts. These lead to generate dimples on the surface of formed part. In this paper, a series of numerical simulations on MPSF processes for stretching parabolic cylindrical, spherical, and saddle-shaped parts were carried out. The local stress and local strain in thickness distribution of MPSF part were analyzed by dispersed the blank into solid elements. The forming results of MPSF were compared with those that use traditional stretch forming, and the influences of thickness of elastic cushion and the size of punch element on the stress concentration and local strain were surveyed. The simulation results show the distribution of local stress and local deformation in different layers, and the elastic cushion and the small size of punch element can reduce the stress concentration and local deformation. The results may understand the stress distribution on the sheet and prevent the defect of dimple.     

Electromagnetic blank restrainer in sheet metal forming processes

Electromagnetic blank restrainer (EMBR) is a new technology that was recently developed to control material movement in sheet metal forming processes. Magnetic attraction on the ferrous sheet metal is the intrinsic property of EMBR. Such magnetic force is quantified using Maxwell's stress tensor to assess the feasibility of EMBR in the sheet metal forming process. The 3D finite element analysis (FEA) of an electromagnetic system is conducted to determine the distribution of magnetic flux density on contacting surfaces of the sheet metal. The distribution is then used to estimate the magnetic force. Experiments have been conducted to measure the magnetic force and compare with results from the FEA. Biaxial-loading apparatus has been built to measure restraining forces on the sheet metal with blankholder, drawbead, and EMBR. All the restraining forces are put together in a chart to see where each method stands with respect to one another. In order to evaluate the quality of forming with each method, an experimental die has been built. The die forms a channel in a single stroke and provides a direct indication of how each restraining method controls blank movement in the die. The real advantage of EMBR lies in the effectiveness of force control and its flexible location in a sheet metal forming die. To prove this, a prototype has been built in a tryout die where house appliance panel is formed with blankholder and EMBR. EMBRs are locally installed in the die and actively controlled during the forming process. The part formed with EMBR shows a significant improvement in the forming quality. At the end of this paper, two immediate impacts that EMBR can bring to the sheet metal forming industry are also discussed.     

板材成形回弹数值分析的静力隐式方法

给出了板材成形加载过程，卸载过程数值模拟的静力隐式有限元方法，通过平衡迭代求解有限元方程，并采用隐式算法进行应力积分及接触压力计算，这种方法应力计算准确，因而回弹计算结果具有较高的精度，数值计算表明，纯弹性板大变形卸载后能够完全恢复到原始形状，说明该方法对几何非线性问题的分析是非常准确的，最后对板材柱面、球面成形的回弹进行了分析。     

多点成形过程中基本体群调形技术

介绍多点成形压力机中基本体群的调形技术与多点成形过程.以Passat1.8T轿车顶盖为例,运用逆向工程技术重构出轿车顶盖的三维曲面数学模型,在此基础上利用多点成形CAD软件系统计算出各基本体与轿车顶盖的三维曲面相互接触的高度数据,形成基本体群的高度数据文件,再将此数据文件传送给多点成形CAM软件系统,从而通过对各基本体的控制,调整一系列规则排列的基本体的高度,形成轿车顶盖的三维曲面的包络面.对轿车顶盖进行多点成形的试验研究为多点成形技术在汽车覆盖件冲压成形过程中的应用奠定了基础.     

基于液压成形和多点成形原理的钣金成形工艺

研究出一种钣金柔性成形工艺,凸模用高压液体,凹模用多个基本体调形而成。并采用凹模垫提高钣金面轮廓度形状精度。为钣金的柔性成形提供了新的高效无模成形方法。     

板料数控柔性成形工艺在新品开发中的应用研究

板料柔性成形是基于产品的数字化信息,由产品的三维CAD模型直接驱动,通过高度可调的基本体构成包络面,实现三维曲面零件成形的技术。典型的板料柔性成形方法是增量成形与多点成形。增量成形通过一个成形工具头沿x、y轴方向的运动及z轴方向的进给,逐层形成零件的三维包络面,从而实现板料的渐进成形;多点成形的核心是规则排列的基本体阵列,通过控制基本体z方向的位置坐标使其构成所需包络面,进行板料快速成形。介绍了以数控多点柔性成形新工艺进行新产品开发试制的应用。     

Sectional multipoint forming technology for large-size sheet metal

Based on the flexibility of multipoint forming, a work piece can be formed in a way section by section, which is named sectional multipoint forming (SMPF) here. With this technique, large-size parts of sheet metal can be manufactured on a small MPF press. In this article, basic principles and deformation characteristics of SMPF are discussed and three typical forming methods are summarized. Partial severe plastic deformation has become the main defect needed to be and wrinkle and dimple have new features in the SMPF process. Numerical simulation is an effective way to predict forming defects. Optimized design of the assortative region can suppress forming defects and improve forming efficiency. Some application examples improved the feasibility of SMPF technology .     

防皱多点成形及其误差分析

防皱多点成形是一种在调形单元之间布置防皱单元,使防皱单元与调形单元交错排列,从而在成形区内对板料表面进行约束,无需压边圈就可以产生防皱效果的多点成形方法。以球形件为例,运用有限元法针对起皱问题比较防皱多点成形和多点模具成形的成形效果。分析防皱多点成形在采用不同工艺参数时的成形误差,并探讨防皱多点成形对成形较小尺寸件的成形质量。研究发现,防皱多点成形方法能够很好地抑制板料在成形过程中的起皱现象;防皱多点成形时的球形件边缘的成形误差大于其内部区域的成形误差,减小防皱单元压力能够减小成形误差,但同时也会相应降低防皱单元的防皱能力;防皱多点成形采用头部具有转动自由度的单元能够增大单元与板料的接触面积,降低其成形误差;当防皱多点成形采用具有转动自由度的单元,并保证板料边缘外侧多设置一排单元时,成形件具有较高的成形质量。     

Research on forming precision of flexible rolling method for three-dimensional surface parts through simulation

Flexible rolling is a novel forming process for three-dimensional surface parts using a pair of bendable rolls. By controlling the distribution of the gap between the upper and lower forming rolls in the rolling process, the sheet metal is nonuniformly thinned in the thickness direction and the longitudinal elongation is different in the width direction of the sheet metal, which makes the sheet metal deform in rolling direction. With the rotation of the bendable rolls, the sheet metal is deformed consecutively and a three-dimensional surface part could be obtained. A small experimental device has been designed. Finite element analysis (FEA) model is established. Spherical surface and saddle surface are simulated, and their experimental results are presented. The major purpose of the present work is to analyze the forming precision of flexible rolling and the reasons for the shape errors through simulated and experimental results. The results demonstrate that the proposed process is a feasible and effective way of forming three-dimensional surface parts.     

板材软模成形二维断面有限元分析界面接触摩擦处理

板材软模成形是板材和柔性传力介质耦合变形过程,存在板材和刚性模具及板材和柔性传力介质两种类型的界面接触。采用罚函数法计算接触力,推导了Mindlin轴对称壳单元和实体单元两种不同单元类型之间接触摩擦的有限元列式。采用静力显式的时间积分方法,通过控制载荷步长保持接触状态稳定。粘弹塑性软模材料的板材变形数值算例表明该算法是有效的。该算法也适用于其他类型软模材料的板材变形接触摩擦问题的处理。     

金属板件等离子体弧柔性成形热过程计算与分析

建立了金属板件等离子体弧柔性成形的热过程数学模型，计算并分析了成形过程中板材的热物理参数、几何尺寸、等离子体弧扫描速度、冷却条件等因素对成形零件的温度场分布的影响规律。研究发现：在一定的成形条件下，可实现成形的板材厚度存在极限值；在保证板材表面温度足够高的前提下，采用较高的扫描速度仍可以获得较好的成形效果，而引入冷源，可更好地控制板件最终形状。