Forming processes and simulation

摘要

The paper, written with a European perspective, describes recent research by the author and co-workers in the area of metalforming processes and highlights some areas for future research. Forging simulation is initially discussed against a background of the commercial case for its use. Some recent applications are presented, problems of invalid input data, and forging perform designs are discussed. Forming processes in general are traditionally associated with large batch production and this arises from the necessarily high investment in tooling and machinery together with the associated setting-up costs. But why should this be? The blacksmith, very much concerned with small batch manufacture, manages with a limited number of simple tools. So, in an age of robotics and automation why cannot a computer and robot controlled process be used to replicate the blacksmith? The paper describes such an approach. Similarly, the production of sheet metal parts in small batches, a sort of rapid prototyping process becomes a possibility. Such an Incremental Sheet Forming process is described.