CNC incremental sheet forming of an axially symmetric specimen and the locus of optimization

CNC incremental sheet forming is a new flexible sheet forming process. It does not need a dedicated die and can form sheet parts with a higher forming limit and of complicated shape by use of a CNC device. This process is suited to the forming of sheet parts of small volume, diversification and complicated shape in space-flight, automobile and civil production. Taking the arc locus as an example in this paper, axially symmetrical forming is analyzed and the method that controls the flow of metal to obtain more even deformation is discussed. The analysis provides the theoretical foundation for the selection of the forming locus in CNC incremental forming.