COLD STRETCH FORMING OF A COMPLEX ALUMINUM PART

COLD STRETCH FORMING OF A COMPLEX ALUMINUM PART The cold stretch forming of aluminum helicopter parts might be complicated due to their complex shapes. Indeed, in general transversal stretching press (FET) is dedicated to regular curved parts and leading edges. Here, the complex part is composed of two half cylinders in oblique direction to each other and connected by a fold. Therefore the difficulties come from the necessity to mark the junction fold at the curvature direction change. By the simulation of FET process ACB investigated methods to obtain a reliable and repeatable process and a formed part close to its final dimensions. Several configurations have been simulated to choose the best solution. The final solution has been tested on a FET press.