New methods in incremental sheet forming with an industrial robot

This paper introduces new results of the single point incremental forming process of an industrial sheet metal component. Incremental sheet forming (ISF) is an innovative and compared to conventional forming technologies which do require forming tools like a specific die and punch, a cost-effective forming method for prototyping and limited-lot production. Moving a hammering tool on a generated path above the sheet metal enables to manufacture a three dimensional complex sheet metal product. Contrary to deep drawing processes and due to the low forming forcers since using a high frequent hammering tool a common industrial robot can be applied. A robot with a handling payload of 400 kg was sufficient. Thus this ISF-process enables production of sheet metal parts and preliminary models at low costs.