Laser-assisted asymmetric incremental sheet forming of titanium sheet metal parts

Asymmetric Incremental Sheet Forming (AISF) is a relatively new manufacturing process. In AISF, a CNC driven forming tool imposes a localized plastic deformation as it moves along the contour of the desired part. Thus, the final shape is obtained by a sequence of localized plastic deformations. AISF is suitable for small series production of sheet metal parts as needed in aeronautical and medical applications. Two main process limits restrict the range of application of AISF in these fields. These are the low geometrical accuracy of parts made from titanium alloys or high strength steels and, for titanium alloys, the limited formability at room temperature. In this paper a new concept for laser-assisted AISF is introduced including the required components. Furthermore, the CAX tools used for programming the NC path for the forming tool and the laser spot are illustrated. First experimental results show that the formability of the alloy Ti Grade 5 (TiAl6V4), which is usu ally used in aeronautic applications, can be increased.