A new incremental in-plane bending of thin sheet metals for micro machine components by using a tiltable punch

This paper proposes an innovative incremental in-plane bending of thin metal sheets for manufacturing microscopic machine components. The unique feature of the process is that a tiltable punch having a beating face with trapezoidal profile is used. The beating face enables the punch to bend thin metal sheets in in-plane manner. Working conditions, including indentation and feeding pitch, can easily and flexibly control the bending radius and even 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.