This behaviour is very sensitive to the metallurgical state of the material, and there are opportunities to develop the process further by modifying the metallurgical state, such that it not uniform in the sheet. In both conventional and hot forming, there is a need for process modelling. Successful models of sheet forming depend, more than any other metal working process, on good descriptions of the way in which the metal behaves when deformed. These descriptions can become very complicated and there is a need to develop them by increasing our understanding of the causes of the mechanical behaviour. These improved descriptions of the behaviour of the metal will then be incorporated into finite element models of sheet forming.
Laboratory presses for testing of sheet materials in drawing, stretching or combined modes.
Mechanical testing equipment for tensile and other tests at room and elevated temperature.