Developments of New Sheet Metal Forming Technology and Theory in China

Developments of new sheet metal forming technology and theory in China are reviewed in detail in this paper. Advances of crystal plasticity on the deformation mechanism of Mg alloy are firstly described, especially its applications on the prediction of sheet forming process. Then, a new macroscopic constitutive model is introduced, which possesses an enhanced description capacity of tension/compression anisotropy and anisotropic hardening. In order to take into account the twinning process of hexagonal close-packed material, a modified hierarchical multi-scale model is also established with adequate accuracy in a shorter computational time. The advanced forming limit of sheet metal, mainly about aluminum alloy, is also investigated. Besides the above theory developments, some new sheet metal forming technologies are reviewed simultaneously. The warm forming technology of Mg alloy is discussed. New processes to form sheet parts and to bend tubes are proposed by using hard granules. On the other hand, a new kind of ultra-high-strength steel based on typical 22MnB5 by introducing more residual austenite. and Cu-rich phase to increase the elongation and strength and its novel forming method that integrates hot stamping and quenching participation are proposed. Progresses in sheet hydroforming, press forging and electromagnetic forming of sheet metal parts are also summarized.