Polymer Tools Produced by Fused Filament Fabrication for Steel-Bending Process: Effect of Layering Orientation
Year: 2024
Type: article
Abstract: Rapid tooling with polymer tools produced via additive manufacturing offers significant benefits in sheet metal forming processes as it allows for the production of parts with high accuracy while reducing tool production costs. In this research, the authors evaluate the performance of polymer punches and dies in the sheet metal bending of 2 mm thick AISI 314 stainless steel. The tools were made using nylon filled with carbon fiber and produced through Fused Filament Fabrication. Two different print orientations—horizontal and vertical—were compared. This experimental study focused on the accuracy of the sheet’s bending angle and thickness while also measuring the deformation induced in the tools. A new methodology was proposed combining both tools and sheet measures to highlight not only the sheet’s accuracy but also the behavior of the polymer tools. The results demonstrate that despite the permanent deformation of the tools, they were able to produce sheets with a geometry accuracy of less than 0.5%
DOI: 10.3390/jmmp8060243
Authors: Luca Giorleo, Kudret Irem Deniz
Institution: University of Brescia
Language: English
Subfield: Automotive Engineering
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,046
OpenAlex ID: W4403943590