Comparison of incremental sheet metal forming process using newly designed multipoint tool with the existing single point tool by optimization and characterization methods on austenite stainless steel 202

Abstract

Incremental Sheet metal Forming (ISF) is a reliable process of converting a blank to work piece with better outputs compared to conventional forming process. The flexibility of ISF in producing the rapid prototype based on the customer needs is increased which is also desirable in the industry. But Single Point Incremental Forming (SPIF) process takes more time to form a product and hence the longer time is a barrier in implementing this process in industries. In this research work, the ISF process was made on sheet metal SS 202 using a newly designed multi-point tool and the obtained outputs were compared with the same material of sheet metal formed by traditionally available single point tool. This Multi Point Incremental Forming (MPIF) process takes lesser process time to give better formability, improved wall angle and good surface roughness. The input process parameters selected for the process are type of tool, speed, feed, Vertical Step Depth (VSD), and lubrication. They are arranged by using the taguchi Design of Experiments (DOE) approach. The responses considered are wall angle, formability, surface roughness, spring back and forming time. The multiple outputs obtained were optimized by Grey Relational Analysis (GRA) to predict the superior parameter. Confirmation test was also made to validate the output result. Fractography analysis was carried out to predict the fracture mechanism obtained during the forming process. The surface topography was also made on the surface of the formed area of the sheet metal. This research work concludes that newly designed MPIF outperforms SPIF.