回転自在なパンチを用いた逐次面内曲げ加工

抄録

This paper proposes a new incremental in-plane bending of thin metal sheets. The unique feature of the process is that a tiltable punch having a beating face with trapezoidal profile is used. The trapezoidal profile is composed of toe and heel sides. When the punch is pushed downwards to beat the sheet metal, the toe side indents the sheet metal deeper than the heel side. Aa a result, the trapezoidal profile enables the punch to bend thin metal sheets in in-plane manner. Experimental results showed that the toe angle of the beating face of 30 degrees was the most effective among the tried conditions in this paper. Working conditions, including indentation and feeding pitch, can easily and flexibly control the bending radius and even the bending direction. In particular, the feeding pitch, which is easily changed during forming, was able to control the bending direction. The in-plane bent thin sheet products are expected to be used as springs, conical cylinders, bushes and other components of micro machines such as medical instruments.