Advanced In-Process Control System for Sheet Stamping and Tube Hydroforming Processes

A sophisticated servo press with the digital control has been developed and attracted attention in recent years. By utilizing its high function in-process, servo presses have a potential to enhance the forming limit and to improve quality and accuracy of product not only in sheet stamping but also in tube hydroforming processes. On the other hand, in-process control and adaptive process control technologies in metal forming processes using intelligent technique and soft computing have been investigated and developed previously. Nowadays we are in a good environment to realize further advanced adaptive in-process control in metal forming process. To further advance this technology, sensing system is essential element and it should be applied to feedback control optimally in their forming operation. This paper describes the current situation on advanced intelligent process control technology for sheet stamping and tube hydroforming processes on the basis of the research results by the author.