An FEM-aided investigation of the deformation during single point incremental forming

Incremental forming is an innovative and flexible sheet metal forming technology for small batch production and prototyping, which does not require any dedicated die or punch to form a complex shape. This paper investigates the process of single point incremental forming of an aluminium cone both experimentally and numerically. Finite element models are established to simulate the process. The output of the simulation is given in terms of final geometry, the thickness profile of the product and the strain history and distribution during the deformation. Comparison between the simulation results and the experimental data is made.