Formability testing helps to define the limits to which sheet metals can be stamped, pressed, drawn, and otherwise formed.
Standard Mechanics provides forming limit curve testing to inform die designs and reduce splits in final products. Hole expansion testing provides assurance in the quality of sheet metal products. When coatings are applied, cupping tests like the Olsen test and flexural testing like the three-point bend test provide limits for forming to prevent peeling or chipping.
Forming Limit Curve / Nakajima (ISO 12004)
For materials ranging from thin aluminum sheets used in drink cans to third generation steels used in automotive frames.
3D digital image correlation to measure major and minor strains of test pieces down to 50 microstrain.
Ensures the most precise forming limit curves.
Can be used in simulations to predict success or failure of a stamping process for a given material.
Can also inform design of dies for stamping a specific metal.
Hole Expansion Ratio (ISO 16630)
Used to quantify the quality of various metals.
Informs ability of each metal to retain its mechanical performance after going from coil to final product.
Utilizes machine vision control to stop test once each test specimen cracks, driving up the repeatability of the test results ensuring the highest quality data.
Can help in quickly diagnosing various product preparation parameters and how they directly affect formability.
Three Point Bend Testing (ASTM E290)
Provides fundamental information on the ability of a metal to bend during a forming process.
Uses a former and roller method to bend specimens up to 90 degrees.
Modified compression platens can then used to push the legs of pre-bent specimen from 90 degrees to 180 degrees.
Standard Mechanics provides a large variety of formers with different diameters to best align with product quality standards or the expected forming process.
Plastic Strain Ratio Testing for Sheet Metal (ASTM E517)
Evaluates tensile tests using machine vision solutions with 3D digital image correlation (DIC) to produce full field strains.
Non-contact strain measurement method ensures specimens do not break at a knife edge, elimination the possibility of a shortened strain to failure.
Also allows for multiple strain gauges across the specimen to produce longitudinal and transverse strain histories and plastic strain rations (r) with high precision.
Repeating this process for specimens 0-45-90 degrees from the rolled direction defines the weighted plastic strain ratio (rm) and the earing tendency (Δr).
Additional Formability Capabilities:
Olsen Ball Punch Testing (ASTM E643)
Tensile Strain-Hardening Exponent (ASTM E646)
