The research on sheet metal forming at Sheet Metal Centre of HAMK concentrates on formability of materials in different forming processes. Our automated strain analysis systems (GOM/Aramis, GOM Argus and ASAME) as well as our friction testing equipment offer unique technology for the Finnish steel industry requirements. With those systems it is easy to study strains during forming processes, as well as strains in formed sheet steel products and evaluate the success of the forming process. Those systems are also used for determining forming limit curves (FLC).
We use bending under tension test (BUT) to study friction in sheet steel forming; this test is well suited for various types of sheet steel and coatings. Furthermore, it is possible to vary the parameters of the forming process, such as the level of lubrication, the shape of the tool and the forming speed. With computer-assisted forming simulations (FEM) it is possible to numerically analyse the manufacturability of sheet metal products. Simulation will ensure that the forming process, the technical design and the forming tools will produce a faultless end product.
