Manufacturing and Production

Sheet Metal Forming, Pressing and Die Work

Sheet metal fails in only a few ways, splitting, wrinkling or springing back out of tolerance, and each of them is decided by the interaction between material, blank holder and die geometry rather than by press force. This course works on that interaction. Delegates work through sheet material properties that govern formability, including yield ratio, strain hardening exponent and anisotropy. The forming limit diagram is introduced as the tool for judging whether a shape is achievable. Blanking and piercing are covered, including clearance, burr and tool life. Bending follows, with bend allowance, minimum radius and springback compensation. Deep drawing is addressed through draw ratio, blank holder force, draw beads and lubrication. Die construction, clearances and maintenance are covered. Press selection and safety are addressed, including guarding on power presses. Defect diagnosis follows. The course closes on tryout, on part measurement and on scrap and nesting efficiency.