Title: Analysis of edge effects on flexible forming of sheet metal using plasma arc

Authors: Wenbin Wu, Wenji Xu, Zhongying Wang, Jinjin Zhou

Addresses: School of Mechanical Engineering, Dalian University of Technology, Ganjingzi Section Linggong Road No. 2, Dalian 116024, China. ' School of Mechanical Engineering, Dalian University of Technology, Ganjingzi Section Linggong Road No. 2, Dalian 116024, China. ' School of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Henan University of Technology, Songsan South Road No. 140, Zhengzhou City, Henan 450052, China. ' School of Mechanical Engineering, Dalian University of Technology, Ganjingzi Section Linggong Road No. 2, Dalian 116024, China

Abstract: Flexible forming of sheet metal using plasma arc has the advantages of requiring no mould and thus reduced cost and increased flexibility. It also enables forming materials and shapes that are not possible now. In straight line scanning forming of sheet metal using plasma arc, the bending edge is found to be somewhat curved and the bending angle varies along the scanning path. These phenomena are defined as edge effects, which adversely affect the accuracy of forming. In this paper, the mechanism and the transient process of the edge effects are studied using numerical simulation and the experiments were done. Numerical simulation is right for the experimental results.

Keywords: plasma arc; flexible forming; edge effects; bending; numerical simulation; sheet metal forming; forming accuracy.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMTM.2008.016775

International Journal of Manufacturing Technology and Management, 2008 Vol.13 No.2/3/4, pp.254 - 264

Published online: 22 Jan 2008 *

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