Path-dependent plasticity and 3D discrete forming

The reconfigurable character of a small scale discrete die is used to obtain an optimally formed 3D workpiece after a sequence of individual forming steps. In general, the sheet metal is subjected to subsequent strain path changes in the imposed forming sequence. Experiments with the discrete die are used to validate the results of the numerical procedure and it is shown that the use of different strain paths can yield superior products compared to products which are manufactured in one single forming operation.