Robustness of the sheet metal springback cup test

The robustness of a proposed test for elastic springback characterization of sheet metal has been examined using a matrix of defined experimental errors. A series of flat bottom deep drawn cups made from AISI 1010 steel sheet were examined. It was found that misalignment of the blank over the forming tool and error in the vertical location where the springback ring was cut from the cup sidewall had the largest effect on the resulting springback opening. Other experimental errors involving cup height and ring width were found to be less important. The effect of in-plane anisotropy of mechanical properties on springback was negligible. The results are examined in terms of measured through thickness residual stresses and elastic bending of beams with circumferential thickness gradients.