Numerical and experimental investigation on the applicability of elastomer tooling components for the manufacturing of undercut geometries by sheet metal forming

Due to their approximately hyperelastic properties, elastomers are suitable as a material for forming tools with extended forming capabilities. In this work, the use of two elastomer punches for manufacturing undercuts in sheet metal forming is performed experimentally for a demonstrator component. Since the manufacturing process does not require the use of cam slide units, it is aimed at rapid prototyping and small batch applications with the goal of reducing tooling cost and complexity. Additionally, the prediction accuracy of the elastomer tool deformation during forming was investigated in a finite element model of the manufacturing process. For comparison with the experimental implementation, punch force measurements and in-process optical strain measurements with a stereo camera system were carried out.