An Investigation into Process Parameters Effect on the Formability of GLARE Materials Using Stamp Forming

The use of laminates allows an optimization of the material properties, these hybrid materials can unravel some problems in the industrial sector, particularly in aerospace, and advanced automotive industry. Fiber Metal Laminates (FMLs) can be produced both by laminating and by forming. Flat laminates are easier to produce by the lay-up process, for small and relatively complex shapes with low thickness there are significant challenges in the forming process even for small drawing ratios, In this investigation, a cylindrical GLARE cup was chosen, this shape with sharp curves and vertical geometrical walls, still face numerous difficulties in the forming procedure. Numerical simulations have been used and compared with the experimental results in the stamp forming to achieve good forming quality with higher depth. An extensive investigation of the effect of process variables has been done such as blank-holding force, and blank holder gap and the curing condition. Also, their roles in wrinkles formation, tearing and thinning, as well as formability have been performed. The results show a good agreement between the experiments and the numerical simulation and show clearly that the application of blank holder force and blank holder gap within specified limits has a positive effect on the quality of the formed cup and leads to higher depths. Understanding these parameters and the GLARE forming conduct and having a decent choice of these parameters can give the advantage to achieve smaller and more complex shapes with higher depth, especially for large scale manufacturing. Finally, this investigation can expand the modern application regions of the FMLs and GLARE parts.