Dieless multi-point forming technology

Multi-point forming (MPF) is advanced plastic manufacturing technology. The dieless Multi-point forming technology employs two sets of punch groups without using the traditional solid dies. During plastic forming of sheet metal, each of punches can be controlled by computer system to adjust its coordinates to shape two discrete three dimensional too] surfaces. Based on the principle of the MPF, an advanced flexible manufacturing system has been developed by authors. The system is integrated the technology of MPF with the technology of computer aided design, computer aided manufacturing and computer aided engineering (CAD/CAM/CAE). At first, the paper introduces the theory of MPF method and the mechanism of plastic deformation. Then it describes the construction of dieless multi-point forming system in details. The system composes with the hardware of MPF press, computer control system and the software of CAD/CAM/CAE. At last, the paper gives some experimental results and specimens of three-dimensional surface panel, which are smooth in surface and high in quality.