A mathematical model to predict thickness distribution and formability of incremental forming combined with stretch forming

An incremental forming is one of the sheet metal forming method using tools which forms fixed metal sheet to desired shape by causing local deformation incrementally. To improve the formability of this forming process, in this paper, hybrid forming method is presented, which is combination of incremental forming and stretch forming. A mathematical model to predict the thickness distribution is established. The feasibility of the mathematical model is verified by comparing with the real experiment result. Additionally, pure incremental forming and hybrid forming process are performed. By measuring and comparing the thickness distribution of the two experiments, the excellence of the proposed hybrid forming process was validated. In other words, hybrid forming method is found to be thicker thickness distribution and more uniform thickness distribution than pure incremental forming.