An Automated Reasoning Technique for Predicting Tool-Path Schedule using Intelligent Incremental Forming Machine System and Its Application to Precision Stretch Forming

2000 Fiscal Year Final Research Report Summary

• Project/Area Number: 11650121
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Single-year Grants
• Section: 一般
• Research Field: 機械工作・生産工学
• Research Institution: Shinshu University
• Principal Investigator: KITAZAWA Kimiyoshi Faculty of Eng.Shinshu University Associate Prof., 工学部, 助教授 (90143825)
• Project Period (FY): 1999 – 2000
• Keywords: Incremental Forming / Intelligent Forming / Sheet Metal Forming / Neural Networks / Tool-Path Schedule / Springback / Precision Forming / Laser Profilometry

Research Abstract

An incremental forming is a process in which a sheet metal is stretched to fit on a tool-envelope surface made by relative motion of a tool around the sheet metal. The incremental forming process seems to be suited to small-lot production from viewpoint of a die-less forming operation, and is also thought to be important in precision forming operation. Although the incremental forming posses large degree of freedom of tool motion, an algorithms for reasoning automatically an adequate tool-path schedule has not been illuminated. So as to overcome the need for reasoning the adequate tool-path schedule, this study presents the development of an intelligent incremental forming machine and the proposal of algorithms for reasoning the tool-path schedule. The developed machine is equipped with a laser profilometry for on-line measurement of the shapes of sheet metal products. The proposed algorithm can deduce a tool-path schedule from the measured shapes of the products, by applying the automated reasoning technique of neural networks. Experimental results show that the proposed algorithm is applicable to on-line adjustments of the shapes of sheet metal products for the precision incremental forming operation, such as springback-less forming operation.