Advanced feature detection algorithms for incrementally formed sheet metal parts

New advanced algorithms for the detection of detailed features in parts formed by single point incremental forming (SPIF) were developed. The features were detected in STL part specifications that took into account the geometry, curvature, location, orientation and process parameters to detect 33 different features within an expert CAPP system for SPIF. The detection process was facilitated by using multi-level edge segmentation routines that first created a frame of edge features. Within this frame, the remaining features were then detected using region growing algorithms. The results show successful detection for a number of test cases. A case study for a double curved hemisphere illustrates the generation of optimal tool paths using compensation for the detected features in the part. These tool paths lead to the improvement in the accuracy of the formed sheet metal parts.