Analysis of the Possibility of Forming Stiffening Ribs in Litecor Metal-Plastic Composite Using the Single Point Incremental Forming Method

Abstract

Efforts to reduce COx are extremely important, which forces the use of materials and technologies that reduce the weight of means of transport in order to reduce energy consumption. Currently, aluminum alloys and FRP composites are still too expensive for mass industry applications. Presented in this study, Litecor is a three-layer composite that combines the high strength of steel with the low density of plastic. Thanks to the use of external steel covers 0.3 mm thick and a light core 0.7 mm thick, high stiffness was achieved while maintaining a relatively low weight. The weight reduction in comparison with steel blanks with the same stiffness is up to 40%. Litecor is mainly developed by ThyssenKrupp, it is a promising construction material, but it requires development the technology of forming and joining. In this study, the possibility of forming the Litecor layered composite was investigated using the single-point incremental sheet forming (SPIF) method. As part of the research, the stiffening ribs were shaped, the maximum depth of the embossing was determined. The degree of thinning in selected cross-sections of the embossing was determined. The influence of the rotational speed of the tool and the feed rate on the properties of the shaped surface was also analyzed. Incorrectly selected shaping parameters have been shown to damage the zinc coating on the inner surface of the embossing.