Design of a new type flexible stretch-forming machine

Stretch forming machine (SFM) is most effective plastic forming equipment for large-size, thin and flat-deformation parts, which can decrease the springback phenomenon in sheet metal forming. In order to enhance the performance of SFM, a flexible stretch forming machine (FSFM) was developed by the authors successfully, which is made up of jaw clamping mechanisms, stretching mechanisms, universal push-pull mechanisms, and a carriage. Our experimental results indicated that the rate of materials utilization and close-fitting dies can be increased to 80 %. In addition, FSFM can reduce the complex of control-system and decrease the expense of machine sharply. FSFM have been used for double-curved sheet metal manufacturing successfully, such as the cab of high-speed train. This work has a strong value in enhance the stretch forming technology for double-curved sheet metal parts.