G23 FIBROFLEX® forming materials for blanking, embossing and forming are eminently suitable for use in small and medium series production. The main advantage is the reduction in tooling costs compared with traditional productions methods. This means that, even with considerable workpiece changes or with prototypes, you can respond quickly to changing market requirements and delivery times. Pre-coated or highly polished sheets that must not be scratched or damaged during forming are becoming increasingly important. In this case, there is often no alternative to a forming process using elastomers. Cutting with FIBROFLEX® When blanking with elastomers, the workpiece materials, in contrast to the traditional blanking of workpiece materials, are subjected to their elastic limits, beyond which the material breaks. The thickness of sheet steel which can be cut using FIBROFLEX® is currently % 2.0 to 2.5 mm. The even clamping pressure which is excellent for pressing also means that parts with intricate contours can be manufactured from panels of around 0.2 to 0.01 mm in thickness. It is possible to achieve workpiece accuracy of ± 0,01 mm. During the blanking process the press pressure first deforms the elastomer. As soon as the elastomer reaches the limits of its deformation the workpiece is cut. The less the stretch of the sheet metal, the easier it can be cut using the elastomer blanking process. Large quantities of spring band steels, electric sheets and sheet aluminium are cut using this process. Deepdrawing sheet steel is unsuitable for the elastomer blanking process. Forming with FIBROFLEX® When forming using elastometers, always remember the golden rule: whatever the extent of the deformation, the elastic FIBROFLEX® forming material remains constant. This means it can be displaced, but not compressed. The design must allow the elastomer to "flow" into a relief gap. Observing the volume consistency of the elastomer is one of the most important prerequisites for successfully solving a forming problem. Choice of machine When FIBROFLEX® matrices are used for blanking, embossing and forming the machine must be able to accommodate the displacement. Hydraulic presses are preferred over mechanical presses due to their pressure build-up. The slowly building pressure counteracts the form-altering response of the FIBROFLEX® forming material. With mechanical presses there is a risk of the press being destroyed on overload, when the upper dead point is approached. With FIBROFLEX® the machine is not subjected to any stresses, so even old machines can be used. RECOMMENDATIONS FOR BLANKING, FORMING AND EMBOSSING OPERATIONS WITH FIBROFLEX® ELASTOMER
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTIwNzY0