Papers by Keyword: Reshaping

Abstract: The reshaping approach is widely considered a virtuous strategy in line with the pillars of the Circular Economy. According to this approach, End-of-Life (EoL) components are subjected to a second forming process to achieve a new functional geometry. However, EoL parts often exhibit a non-uniform thickness distribution and work-hardened zones resulting from the primary manufacturing step, which makes the design of the reshaping step not trivial. Beyond the standard objectives like avoiding fracture and minimizing springback during the reshaping operations, one of the most concerning aspects is the complete removal of the geometrical features coming from the initial forming process. Flexibility and versatility of the forming process are unavoidable requirements to make the reshaping successful. Therefore, three different reshaping routes are numerically investigated in the present work: (i) reshaping by hydroforming (RH) at room temperature; (ii) reshaping by gas forming (RGF) at hot temperature; (iii) a hybrid approach, based on the combination of an intermediate deformation step via Single Point Incremental Forming followed by sheet hydroforming (RHA). The three routes share the same EoL, characterized by the presence of a deep-drawn square feature. Comparing the three routes, in terms of final shape and thinning distribution, with a reference case study (represented by the sole hydroforming process carried out on an undeformed flat blank) allowed to conclude that the feature removal and a non-severe thinning could not be achieved simultaneously: in fact, while RGF and RHA ensure a more evident suppression of the pre-existing feature, they simultaneously induce a more pronounced and localized thinning compared to the RH route.

Abstract: Electroplasticity in sheet metal forming is a relatively recent method that involves applying an electric current to metal sheets during or before the forming process. Existing research on Electro-Assisted (EA) forming primarily focused on material characterization; few studies have investigated the effect of electropulsing on loads, power, and energy consumption during sheet metal forming, and no studies have explored the reshaping of previously formed titanium sheets after the Electro-pulsed treatment (EPT). This research aims to bridge some of these gaps of knowledge by applying two different electropulsing treatments, varying in current density, to square Ti6Al4V specimens prior to shaping and reshaping. performed using dies and counter dies having different geometries. Load, power, and energy consumption data were measured to assess the benefits of EPT compared to an untreated specimen serving as a reference. The findings suggest that EPT can significantly reduce the energy consumption and forces required for both shaping and reshaping of titanium components, extending their useful life and reducing the need for remelting. The study highlights the potential of EPT as a sustainable solution for reducing the environmental impact of titanium sheet disposal and recycling, improving material efficiency, and optimizing industrial forming processes.

Abstract: Manufacturing processes have a significant impact on global energy consumptions. The recovery of materials and functions for the implementation of the Circular Economy principle needs to be focused on either, by utilizing new techniques or the rethinking of old processes to rework End-of-life (EoL) components. Previous researches have shown Single Point Incremental Forming (SPIF) process as a good alternate for sheet metal EoL components reuse by their reshaping. In this article, the authors aim to study the effectiveness of the SIPF processes by comparing its reshaping performance with other, more conventional forming processes. An initial deep drawing process was performed to imitate aluminum sheet metal EoL component, subsequently, different stretching-based reshaping approaches have been tested. Results revealed that SPIF outperformed conventional forming processes, as proved to be the only approach leading to new/reshaped component

Abstract: Nowadays， with the increasing demand of people in fashion design, the existing fabrics, structures, styles, colors and patterns can no longer meet the needs of the designers. It forces designers to make three-dimensional structural designs and reshape fabrics with various means based on the original ones, which may change the original fabrics largely in forms, textures and structures, and enrich the look of the original fabrics; meanwhile, it is also an extremely new way to interpret the fashion concept. What is more, it can broaden the range of employing materials and the innovative designs of structures, which has been an important method in modern fashion design.

Abstract: The 1.2µm and 100µm silicon carbide were prepared by the process of reshaping and classification. The effect of particle morphology and particle size distribution of silicon carbide on tap density, green body density and apparent viscosity of slurry were analysized. The result showed that the particle size distribution closed to normal distribution and the particle morphology closed to spherical were the main cause that leads to the lower apparent viscosity and the higher density of the green body.

Abstract: Equal Channel Angular Extrusion is a widely adopted severe plastic deformation process capable of imparting large amounts of strain in a material via multiple passes through the die. In order to facilitate reinsertion of worked bars for multipass processing, reshaping is often required. Although this topic is rarely discussed in the literature, it is a significant step that can influence processing efficiency. This paper presents several reshaping options and makes recommendations for method selection based on the authors’ experiences with each.