A numerical approach to optimize the toolpath strategy for polymers forming

Abstract. Incremental sheet forming is a relatively new technology with deformation strategy that resembles the layered manufacturing principle of rapid prototyping; thanks to this, it can represent viable way form metal and polymer sheets, guaranteeing high customization cost-effectiveness. On other hand, particularly when considering thermoplastic components obtained by this process suffer from peculiar defects like, for example, twisting wrinkling. A reducing risk such optimize toolpath lower in-plane forces. To pursue aim, present work follows numerical approach; commercial FE code was used simulate incremental polycarbonate sheets varying strategy. The investigation some features like forces states carried out, goal determining an optimized reduction consequent expectation reduced failures formed sheets.