Numerical Analysis for Multi-Point Forming of Aluminum Alloy Profile

As a new technique to form sheet metal parts, Multi-point forming (MPF) also can be used on bending aluminum alloy profile. Since the Multi-Point Die (MPD) which replaces the traditional solid bending die is composed of many discrete punch elements, dimples always occur on the plate of profiles. To eliminate the dimpling defects, numerical simulation of the bending process with A6N01S-T5 aluminum alloy hollow profile using MPD were conducted. By comparing the bending effects on MPD with different size of punch elements and with different kind of elastic cushion, reasonable forming parameters were obtained. Pressing of Aluminum alloy profile with different radii on the MPD and solid die were simulated. The cross-section distortion indicated that the aluminum alloy profile can be formed with MPF technique while it has the advantage of flexibility. For the profile with large deformation, multi-step MPF method is a better choice due to its rapid reconfigurable characteristic.