Papers by Author: Ming Zhe Li

Abstract: Unlike multi-point die forming (MPDF), multi-point press forming (MPPF) takes full advantage of the flexibility of multi-point forming (MPF). In the process of MPPF, the punch elements always keep in contact with the sheet metal, developing instantaneous forming surfaces, which clamp and deform the plates. In this study, based on the spherical surfaces, the formability of both MPPF and MPDF were simulated through finite element software. The effects of the two methods on dimple, wrinkle and springback defect were comparatively analyzed. Also the shape error of MPPF was studied. We find MPPF can significantly inhibit dimple and wrinkle, thus obviously reducing the maximum strain and homogenizing the distributions of stress and strain of the parts. The largest vertical springback value decreases from 0.514mm to 0.257mm and the stress is released more completely after unloading. The edge effect reduces the curvature in the area far away from the center, greatly magnifying the shape error. The increase in the numbers of punch elements and in the dimensions of elastic cushions can significantly weaken the edge effect and improve the forming precision. These analyses show MPPF has better formability for metal sheets than MPDF.

Abstract: 3D rolling is a novel technology for three-dimensional surface parts. In this process, by controlling the gap between the upper and lower forming rolls, the sheet metal is non-uniformly thinned in thickness direction, and the longitudinal elongation of the sheet metal is different along the transverse direction, which makes the sheet metal generate three-dimensional deformation. In this paper, the transition zones of spherical surface parts in 3D rolling process are investigated. Spherical surface parts with the same widths but different lengths are simulated in condition of the same roll gap, and their experimental results are presented. The forming precision of forming parts and the causes of transition zones in the head and tail regions are analyzed through simulated results. The simulated and experimental results show that the lengths of transition zones of spherical surfaces in the head and tail regions are fixed values in condition of the same sheet width and roll gap.

Abstract: The finite element model of flexible clamp multi-point stretch forming (FCMPSF) was set up, and extensive contradistinctive analysis of forming limit and forming accuracy between FCMPSF and RCMPSF were done. The results show that under the same forming conditions, spherical part formed by FCMPSF is not easy to fracturing, dimpling and springback, and is easy to fit the die. The reason for this was analysed. The non-fracturing limited graph, the non-dimpling limited diagram and the average springback value of spherical parts formed by FCMPSF and RCMPSF were obtained. Finally, the forming experiment and error analysis of spherical part formed by FCMPSF were done, the results indicate that 3D parts with large transversal curvature can be shaped by FCMPSF and the forming quality was guaranteed.

Abstract: To solve the problem of low material utilization in traditional stretch forming process, a flexible stretch forming method was proposed, which can be realized by interaction of the multi-point stretch forming die with discrete-gripper stretch forming machine. The principle and characteristics of sheet metal flexible stretch forming technology was introduced, structural composition and working principle of the multi-point stretch forming die and discrete-gripper stretch forming machine were expounded, and the technology experiments was carried out with a self-designed flexible stretch forming technology equipment for sheet metal. The experimental results indicate that structure of multi-point stretch forming die and discrete-gripper stretch forming machine are reasonable, and flexible stretch forming technology can be realized by above-mentioned die and machine, stretch forming parts has a good quality and its shape error can satisfy requirements of production.

Abstract: The continuous flexible roll forming process is a novel sheet metal forming technique for effectively manufacture of three-dimensional surface parts. In this study, two types of finite element (FE) models were developed under the ABAQUS/Explicit environment. The difference of the two models is that the rolls are defined as discrete rigid bodies in model No.1 and are deformable in model No.2. An experiment was carried out using the continuous sheet metal forming setup. The comparison of the numerical computation results with the experimental results shows that the model No.2 can be used for the shape prediction of continuous flexible roll forming process well.

Abstract: Stretch forming machine (SFM) is most effective plastic forming equipment for large-size, thin and flat-deformation parts, which can decrease the springback phenomenon in sheet metal forming. In order to enhance the performance of SFM, a flexible stretch forming machine (FSFM) was developed by the authors successfully, which is made up of jaw clamping mechanisms, stretching mechanisms, universal push-pull mechanisms, and a carriage. Our experimental results indicated that the rate of materials utilization and close-fitting dies can be increased to 80 %. In addition, FSFM can reduce the complex of control-system and decrease the expense of machine sharply. FSFM have been used for double-curved sheet metal manufacturing successfully, such as the cab of high-speed train. This work has a strong value in enhance the stretch forming technology for double-curved sheet metal parts.

Abstract: A new sheet metal forming process which can form three-dimensional surface rapidly, effectively and with lower-cost has been proposed. This paper mainly focuses on the fundamental aspects of the process. The principle of the rolling process based on bended rolls is introduced, and the methods to calculate the longitudinal bending deformation and to design the roll gap are presented. Experiments for typical surface parts are carried out. The forming results of convex surface and saddle shaped surface parts are measured and analyzed, the analyzed results demonstrated that the proposed process is a feasible and effective way of forming three-dimensional surface parts.

Abstract: To effectively form three-dimensional sheet metal parts with various curvatures produced in small quantities, flexible rolling forming, a new flexible forming method is being developed. Firstly, concept of the flexible rolling forming is introduced and its characteristics and working principle are analyzed by the combination of conventional rolling and multi-point forming. Secondly, the equipment design scheme of flexible rolling forming is put forward and the relevant device is developed. Thirdly, the feasibility and practicality of flexible rolling forming are verified by rolling several typical three-dimensional surface parts such as spherical and saddle surface parts by self-developed device. Finally, verifies the reasonableness of the device and at the same time possesses the important guiding significance to the research and development of practical flexible rolling forming equipment.

Abstract: Flexible DCSF technology was put forward, and its forming character was described. The flexible DCSF machine was developed and related stretching experiment were carried out. The experimental photos show the DCSF technology is feasible and the DCSF machine is practicable. The FE model of flexible DCSF was set up, and extensive numerical simulations for spherical parts, saddle parts and S-type parts were carried out by Abaqus. The numerical results show that the longer the transitional length is, the more homogeneous the stretching strain and the thickness become. The smaller the friction coefficient is, the more homogeneous the stretching strain and the thickness become. The larger the clamp number is, the better the fit degree becomes. This work may provide useful guidance on the flexible DCSF process.

Abstract: In order to save the manufacturing cost and solve problems of stamping, a new type of flexible blank-drawer (FBD) forming device was presented by the authors based on the principle of flexible stretch-forming. It can be used with a variety of different sizes, different shapes of stamping die which can cut the manufacturing cost and shorten the development cycle of sheet metal forming largely. Extensive numerical simulations of the process for forming saddle parts were carried out and the forming results using FBD were compared with those using traditional blank-holder (TBH). By adjusting the value of blank-drawer force, good quality of saddle parts can be attained easily. Simulation results indicate that FBD forming can solve the shortages of TBH forming, inhibit wrinkle, prevent fracture, and form parts with small springback and uniform strain. This work can provide useful guidance in plastic forming technology for sheet metal.