Investigating the Impact of Tool Velocity on the Process Conditions in Incremental Forming of Titanium Sheets

This paper deals with a study focused on the single point incremental forming (SPIF) of titanium Grade 2 sheets. The direct impact of the sliding velocity of the forming tool on mechanical and thermal process loads was experimentally investigated. A wide range of spindle speeds and feed rates were examined at different forming conditions. The developed profiles of the mechanical and thermal demands during the SPIF of titanium sheets are presented and discussed. Forming temperature and force were directly related to the tool rotation speed, higher temperatures and lower reactional forces correspond to higher speeds. At very high rotation, failure conditions occurred and the ability to shape a CP Grade 2 sheet is decreased; these failures were mainly due to extreme heating, leading to termination of the tests concerned. The main objective of the study is to gain a better understanding of the combined effects that the varied relative motions at the tool/sheet contact zone have on the process conditions.