Speaker
Description
In this work, we present and evaluate a new approach for prototype tooling in deep drawing based on direct polymer additive tooling. With Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) a PLA shell is printed additively. Afterwards, these are filled with ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC). UHPC is characterized by its higher strength properties compared to conventional concrete materials, which makes the material feasible for forming applications. This hybrid UHPC polymer additive tooling has the potential to be more cost-efficient for small series and is more resilient than entirely additively manufactured polymer tools.
The dimensional precision and wear of such hybrid tools is evaluated using a standard cup geometry. A test series with sheet metal DX56 with 1 mm thickness was drawn with the prototype tool as well as a conventional steel tool. The dimensional precision of the drawn parts were analyzed using an optical measuring system. Additionally, the wear of the prototype tool was evaluated optically as well as tactilely.