Design considerations for hydromechanical deep drawing of sheet components with concave features

Design for hydromechanical deep drawing of sheet components with concave features requires more detailed considerations than that for the forming of components with convex features. FE simulations were conducted to examine the deformation of the sheet during the forming of these component-forms and to qualify the influence of counter-pressure paths on the product-quality, with a view to developing a reference for process, tool and component design considerations for the hydromechanical drawing of such component-forms. The results suggested that in order to prevent the initiation of forming-defects and to achieve high-quality products, the counter-pressure paths should be designed to match the component-forms to be produced. (C) 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.