Papers by Keyword: Polycarbonate Sheet

Abstract: Although multi-point forming (MPF) is an advanced processing technique and has been investigated comprehensively as a metal working operation, there are few papers published to deal with MPF of polymers. The present paper reviews the features of MPF and evaluates the possibility of producing polymer components by means of MPF. The experimental research work makes use of PC sheets with a thickness of 3.82 mm. Numerical simulations were performed with the software ABAQUS, then spherical and saddle-shaped components were manufactured by MPF. The geometrical deviations between shaped components and their original CAD/CAM models were obtained to investigate the forming accuracy. The results confirm that MPF of PC sheet has potential for the manufacture of complex components.

Abstract: To explore geometrical shape, stress distribution, strain distribution and wall thickness of product in the process of polycarbonate hot gas bulge forming, numerical simulation of 4mm PC double curvature and large-area workpiece with the chord 1050mm has been conducted by the finite element software DYNAFORM. The results indicate that the deformation of large-area workpiece starts from blank holder to sheet center, and the maximum latitudinal stress and longitudinal stress is located in the center of PC sheet. The maximum reducing rate is approximate to 6.4%. The experimental results fit well with the numerical simulation.