Effect of sheet thickness on deep drawing of metal foils

Purpose: The objective of the present work is to study the influence of sheet thickness on blank holding force and limiting drawing ratio. Design/methodology/approach: Variation in blankholding force and limiting drawing ratio in deep drawing of metal foils were evaluated by calculation. Findings: The paper shows variation in the blankholding force required for the elimination of wrinkling and the limiting drawing ratio with sheet thickness. The blankholding force required for the elimination of wrinkling increased rapidly as the sheet thickness decreased. When the sheet thickness was very thin, the blankholding force was strongly influenced by the coefficient of friction. The limiting drawing ratio decreased as sheet thickness decreased and it decreased rapidly below 0.04 mm thickness. When the sheet thickness was very thin, the limiting drawing ratio was strongly influenced by the coefficient of friction. Research limitations/implications: The control of the loading path of blankholding force will be an effective way to prevent the formation of defects including fractures and wrinkles in deep drawing of metal foils. Practical implications: When deep drawing of metal foils is carried out, the control of loading path of blankholding force during deep drawing operation can be very effective for improving the limiting drawing ratio. Originality/value: The contribution of the conducted research is observed in a possible view of improvement of deep drawability of metal foils.