Metal forming techniques for lightweight construction

Lightweight construction can only be successfully applied when components and structures can be designed and manufactured with less weight, lower costs, improved functionality, and optimised properties. This is only possible when the use of the full potential of the material, the design of load-optimised component geometries, and the use of rational manufacturing procedures is part of an integrated process. The achievement of these aims represents a great challenge to the art and science of metal forming. The improvement of lightweight construction aspects of present and future products must be supported by forming processes and taken into account even during the process developments. This paper shows some product and process developments at the Institute of Forming Technology and Lightweight Construction of the University of Dortmund supporting the lightweight construction. (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.