A novel approach based on flexible supports for forming non-axisymmetric parts in SPISF

Incremental sheet forming is an evolving sheet metal technique. With ISF, forming of sheet metal components is performed with negligible use of geometry specific tools. The present work introduces a system of ISF with flexible bolt support (FBS) technique using which non-axisymmetric sheet metal parts are formed while being supported by an array of bolts. Bolt support inhibits bending and acts as an alternative to die. FBS has most of the advantages of die and is also customizable to accommodate the changes in shape to be formed. The proposed setup can be retrofitted on any generic 3-axis CNC milling center making it suitable for small batch manufacturing. Geometries which cannot be supported with backing plate can be realized with the proposed setup unaccompanied by any loss in flexibility of the process.