Sheet metal forming
For over 70 years, we have been a leader in sheet metal spinning, carrying out prototype and small-batch orders for industry. We offer comprehensive sheet metal processing – from the development of technological processes to the production of parts, including non-standard ones. We design tools, construct machines, and implement them at the customer’s site. We work with industries such as aerospace, lighting, ventilation manufacturers, agriculture, and furniture. As part of our R&D projects, we create solutions for Industry 4.0.
SERVICES
Sheet metal forming is a process that allows sheets to be shaped for many applications. We use methods such as spinning, sheet metal stamping, rolling and rotary crimping. Each of these processing options is tailored to different needs – from shaping complex details to obtaining sheets with variable cross-sections. Our technologies allow us to process materials such as steel, aluminium and copper. We guarantee the high quality and durability of our products, tailored to the needs of modern industry.
What can we offer our customers?
flow forming - projection and elongating
cold spinning, including axially asymmetrical
spinning
with laser heating
stamping
(pressing)
rolling, including stripes with variable cross sections
In the above areas, we provide services including:
Technological process development
Analysis of the existing problem
Selection of appropriate technology
Design and manufacture of a tool/machine/
equipment or process optimisation
Technological process development
Strip rolling and profiling
We carry out research in the field of strip rolling (steel, aluminum, copper), including variable cross-section.
We are the only company in the country to develop processes for rolling strips with variable thickness over the cross section.
We are able to profile workpieces of any shape from flat or variable cross-section strip for a wide range of applications, including in skeletal structures, support structures, or load-bearing elements.
We provide the possibility of making a prototype production batch.
Our strips are characterized by strength analogous to products available on the market, however, they have reduced weight, which is of particular importance in the case of large-sized structures.
Advantages of our strips:
flexibility of selecting a variable cross-section of the strip
reduced product weight by about 10%
(compared to similar “off the shelf” products)
the design of the profile does not limit the scope of their use (external surface is flat)
flexibility of profile shape design
Design of tools and machines
Designing tools and machines for individual customer needs. Our experience allows us to develop new technologies and solutions not available on the market.
FEM numerical simulations
We perform structural strength calculations in:
- static and dynamic strength
- structural stability analysis
- linear and nonlinear materials
As part of the development of the technological process, we offer to customers simulations that will allow, for instance, the development of appropriate process tools and parameters.
Thermal imaging and precision measurements
We can perform tests with a thermal imaging camera and with two- and three-colour pyrometers with a measuring spot of up to 1 mm.
We have a unique station for axially asymmetric spinning
The machine we have designed and built enables the use of rotary shaping techniques for axially asymmetric products.
Product parameters:
max. diameter: 300 mm
max. thickness: 2.5 mm
max. length: 150 mm
materials: aluminum alloys, deep-drawn steel, stainless steel
Benefits associated with axially asymmetric spinning at Łukasiewicz – PIT:
lower cost
with as little as 2 details, the technology is more cost-effective than 3D printing
quality
we are in the top 3 centers in the world in terms of technological advancement
short lead time
one workpiece is created in less than 10 minutes
one tool per workpiece
no need to make several tools to produce a workpiece
Station for shaping process with laser heating
Thanks to laser-heated sheet metal forming technology, we can form even the most demanding materials, including those that are difficult to shape, such as Hastelloy and Inconel.
Components of the station:
MZH-500 spinning machine
- max product diameter: 850 mm
- max product height: 500 mm
- thickness of sheet metal to be shaped: up to 8 mm (aluminum, copper), up to 4 mm (steel)
Rofin DL 036 laser with a heating spot of 8×30 mm
2 thermal imaging cameras
pyrometers with a temperature measurement range of 65-2250°C
What do you gain?
saved time
product is ready in 4-5 minutes, instead of 3 daysni
lower cost
due to lower labor intensity
greater geometrical accuracy
compared to the traditional method
possibility of forming hardly deformable materials
And moreover, we provide:
Support for institutions in the implementation of innovative solutions for industry, while actively solving technological and technical challenges in production processes under joint research and development (R&D) projects.
We offer comprehensive support at every stage of an R&D project – from conception and acquisition of financing to full implementation.
Expertise of machines, equipment, technological processes.
Metal forming training courses – if you want to increase your employees’ competence and knowledge of sheet metal forming – feel free to contact us!
See also our offer of volumetric metal forming
Our expert:
Tomasz Gądek
Phone: +48 609 338 816
E-mail: tomasz.gadek@pit.lukasiewicz.gov.pl
Łukasiewicz research Network – Poznań Institute of Technology, Centre for Sustainable Economy, Research Group for Mechanical Engineering, 14 Jana Pawła II Street, 61 – 139 Poznań, Poland
