Parametric Optimization on Single Point Incremental Forming of Aluminum Alloy AA 2219-O using Response Surface Methodology

Single Point Incremental Forming (SPIF) is an emerging sheet metal forming process which has been used in the prototype production of complex geometries. The geometric inaccuracies and quality of formed parts are the major obstructions in commercialization of SPIF process. The aim of presented work is to study this hindrance using experimental and numerical investigation on Aluminum Alloy 2210-O. Parametric optimization is done using Response Surface Methodology (RSM) for quality factor (surface roughness) and geometric accuracy (Maximum wall angle) while minimizing thickness reduction and forming time. For this purpose, three experimental setups were designed in this study, using tool types and tool paths. During investigation, the interaction and main effects of process parameters, viz. feed rate, spindle speed, and step increment are evaluated on surface roughness (Ra), maximum wall angle (αmax) , % thickness reduction (% TR), and forming time (T) using ANOVA method. Results showed that among all the parameters of SPIF process, step increment is the most significant parameter for both forming paths using ball end and flat end tool. The comparative analysis of this study suggested that the ball end tool using the bidirectional path was better than the other setups. Furthermore, the results revealed that the ball end tool using a spiral path was better in desirability achievement (73%) as compared to the flat end tool using a spiral path (71.2%). The findings of this study are beneficial in paving a path for optimization of the SPIF process for an industrial-scale production of Al alloy AA 2219-O with desired characteristics.