Material flow control in high pressure sheet metal forming of large area parts with complex geometry details

Working media based forming processes show advantages compared to the conventional deep drawing in the range of sheet metal parts with complex geometry details. By High Pressure Sheet Metal Forming (HBU), complex parts can be formed with reduced tool costs, fewer process steps, and improved part properties, particularly by the use of high strength steels. In order to use these advantages to full capacity, the material flow into the area of the geometry details needs to be optimised. The key element for the material flow control is a multi-point blank holder. In combination with flange draw-in sensors, a closed loop flange draw-in control can be built up which guarantees a reproducible material flow and, consequently, defined part properties. Furthermore, a favourable pre-distribution of sheet metal material can be reached which leads to a widening of the process limits. Considering a large area sheet metal part with a complex door handle element as example, strategies for the material flow control will be discussed in this paper. The conclusions are based on FE-simulations as well as experimental findings.