Forming of micro sheet-metal components

This chapter firstly highlights challenges in micro-sheet-metal forming and explains its characteristics and tooling design considerations. An introduction is then given to the basic processes of sheet-metal forming, emphasising, from micro-forming point of view, on the size effect, material, tooling and process capabilities. These are followed by a detailed description on the tool-design for multi-stage/progressive micro-sheet-forming. Considerations for developing a press machine system are also given in detail, concurrently with description of a newly developed machine-system at the University of Strathclyde. A case study is given for further understanding on the micro-forming tool and machine design. Lastly, several issues concerning technological competitiveness and economic aspects of micro-sheet-forming are presented as a general discussion.