Robotic Incremental Sheet Forming

Abstract

The aim of this thesis was to collect information on a new type of sheet forming method: Incremental Sheet Forming (ISF). This thesis was commissioned by Jussi Horelli, HAMK. The main objective was to examine the feasibility of this ISF method, its working environment and necessary conditions. This thesis briefly introduces the concept of sheet metal along with its various functions or uses and gives an insight to the different types of forming operations. Out of many other incremental forming processes, Single-Point Incremental Forming (SPIF) is mainly emphasized in this thesis, as it is better and more common than other incremental forming processes. All these incremental forming process need a robotic hand and a hammering punch for deformation, so this is also called robotic incremental sheet forming method. This thesis includes the process of ISF, development of its hammering tool, generating a tool path and influencing factors as well as the parameters. The thesis work was done using literature review and a collection of different information through electronic media and literature published in the field.