Incremental forming for sheet metal prototyping: Reducing the lead time on the development of sheet metal components

摘要

Sheet metal forming continues to be an essential part of the automotive manufacturing process, providing a range of different components/from exterior panels to part of the vehicle interior. Traditionally, the creation of new sheet metal formed parts required the development of prototype tooling. The process of prototype tool development can take up to 2 months creating a very long lead-time for manufacturing. Reducing the time from design to manufacture can provide a strong competitive advantage in the competitive automotive supply sector. Through the AutoCRC the Australian National University and Futuris Automotive have been investigating a new sheet metal forming process to produce prototype components in a much faster time.