This new method of sheet metal forming could be the answer for restoration of old cars. We all need body panels, floors etc to replace rusty panels. This method uses a CNC controlled "printer' of sorts that can 3D shape sheet metal using a tool that slowly presses the metal into the shape that has been scanned from an original part. Look it up on Youtube to see what I am describing. the possibilities are endless. New lower quarter panels for any car could be created by scanning an original, and "printing" new panels. I don't imagine these machines are readily accessible yet, but they do exist, and just like 3D printers, they will become more common and available as time goes on.
Incremental sheet metal forming
- Thread starter Furious
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Thanks for posting.
Interesting. IRT automobile sheet metal, I wonder if the machine can/will do the edge creases or folds you normally find in some body panels.
The video actually has a MOPAR hook - they were forming the "Shaker" hood scoop - which I think is molded plastic? The Shaker hood as a finished product is an example of if and how the machine handled the actual finishing of the completed product, or if it required some additional intermediate work.
Again, thanks for the post - all new technology provides the possibility our hobby and enjoyment of our automobiles is extended well into the future.
Interesting. IRT automobile sheet metal, I wonder if the machine can/will do the edge creases or folds you normally find in some body panels.
The video actually has a MOPAR hook - they were forming the "Shaker" hood scoop - which I think is molded plastic? The Shaker hood as a finished product is an example of if and how the machine handled the actual finishing of the completed product, or if it required some additional intermediate work.
Again, thanks for the post - all new technology provides the possibility our hobby and enjoyment of our automobiles is extended well into the future.
Seems a bit sparse on the MOPAR front. As I am fond of saying, with enough demand, someone is going to chase the dollar.
What little bit I know and understand about sheet metal stamping, it can take several "stamps" to get to the final shape of an outer body panel. As the metal has to be coaxed into its final shape in stages, rather than all at once. BAM!
The simpler, flatter panels can be the easier ones to do, I suspect. Interesting to see what their "former" looks like and if its is the result of a "custom scan" or can be changed as needed?
I can see this evolving tech being used to cut tool and die costs for new vehicles, too.
THANKS for posting these videos!
CBODY67
The simpler, flatter panels can be the easier ones to do, I suspect. Interesting to see what their "former" looks like and if its is the result of a "custom scan" or can be changed as needed?
I can see this evolving tech being used to cut tool and die costs for new vehicles, too.
THANKS for posting these videos!
CBODY67
The process has been around for quite a few years now. I remember watching a video of a Ford piece being built for a prototype at least 10 years ago. It's cool stuff..
But it's never going to replace stamping for production. 90 minutes for the hood would be cost prohibitive for any kind of production, even for reproduction parts. As said in the video, it will save thousands in first piece and prototypes as you don't need to build hard tooling to make sure a hood looks and fits correctly.
So, don't figure on getting a quarter panel made for your '70 Chrysler anytime soon. If these get to restoration shops, and I can see that happening in some high end shops to replace the panel beater guys that are aging out, the costs are going to be high and devoted to deep pocket restorations only.
But it's never going to replace stamping for production. 90 minutes for the hood would be cost prohibitive for any kind of production, even for reproduction parts. As said in the video, it will save thousands in first piece and prototypes as you don't need to build hard tooling to make sure a hood looks and fits correctly.
So, don't figure on getting a quarter panel made for your '70 Chrysler anytime soon. If these get to restoration shops, and I can see that happening in some high end shops to replace the panel beater guys that are aging out, the costs are going to be high and devoted to deep pocket restorations only.
fury fan
Old Man with a Hat
And for those high-dollar restos, another big benefit to 'digital' tooling is that the opposing side is just a mirrored-program away.
Or as would be in my case, to make both of them wrong.
Or as would be in my case, to make both of them wrong.
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