Systems for monitoring and control of sheet metal forming processes

There are a number of variables which can seriously affect the sheet metal forming process. By determining the process fluctuations, it will ultimately be possible to improve the production process. To do this, monitored or closed loop controlled processes potentially constitute an important tool for the reduction of defects, reduction of rework and a better quality of final products. This based of novel thin film sensors, which are integrated into the tool's surface. The Fraunhofer Institute for Machine Tools and Forming Technology (IWU) in Chemnitz investigated typical process variables such as flange movement for deep drawing or contact pressure for hydroforming as the basis for control systems. Applications used process monitoring with one or more sensors to support quality control, or the same system with an add-on for early error recognition and automatic recommendation of corrective measures.