Medical application of single point incremental forming: cranial plate manufacturing

Single Point Incremental Forming (SPIF) is a new sheet metal forming technique that, unlike other forming processes, does not require a dedicated tool set. Because of the absence of a die, SPIF is ideally suited for small batch or tailored production of sheet metal parts. Medical applications typically fit within these categories. The case presented in this paper deals with the production of a cranial plate used in reconstructive skull surgery. The SPIF process is compared to the conventional manufacturing methods. © 2005 Taylor & Francis Group.