Incremental Sheet Forming (ISF)

“NOW HERE IN THE UK”!!

ISF is an incremental sheet forming process suited to low volume and one-off manufacture.

ISF utilises a very small tool contact area to achieve controlled deformation with low applied loads and very high accuracy. The tooling costs and lead times are a fraction of what is currently used in traditional sheet forming operations.

The ISF process uses a gantry based tool mounting or robot mounted tools to increase the working envelope and facilitate the simultaneous operation of multiple tools.

ISF APPLICATIONS

• Prototype & Concept
• Automotive, Aerospace, Rail, Marine – Low volume and pre-production parts
• Repairs for aftermarket
• Architectural/ Signage features
• Personalised/customised products
• Medical applications
• Jewellery
• Legacy parts (pre CAD/CAM)

ISF MATERIALS

• Up to 5mm thick
• Aluminium
• Mild Steel
• Stainless Steel
• Copper
• Magnesium
• Gold, Silver and Platinum
• Polymers
• Composite pre-preg
• lnvar

The investment in tooling is minimal, a ‘form tool’ is made from medium density model board. This former can be modified as the part design evolves.

• Low tooling costs and reduced lead times.
• High tolerance and level of detail on parts.
• Low volume, on-offs, and variants produced easily.
• Ability to work hard materials and large working envelope.
• Incremental deformation using small tool contact areas minimises applied force and spring back.