Microflanging of CuZn30 Specimens Using Electromagnetic Forming

Abstract

In this research, electro-magnetic (EM) forming was investigated as an alternative process to form microscale components. Both EM and quasi-static flanging experiments were conducted with CuZn30 specimens of 0.127, 0.508 and 1.588 mm thicknesses that were heat treated to achieve 2 and 10 grains through the thickness to assess this parameter. Results from the quasi-static tests showed that as the sample size decreased with a constant grain size through thickness ratio, the springback angle increased. For the 0.127mm and 0.508mm thickness specimens, the EM results showed that the flanging angle increased as the power input increased from 1.7 to 3.7 kJ. For 3.7 kJ energies and above, complete 90 degree flanging with no springback was achieved for the 0.508mm specimens. However, EM flanging could not be achieved for the 1.588mm case. Microhardness testing conducted on specimens of similar flanging angles yielded no observable change in deformation between the EM and quasi-static processes for the 0.508mm specimens.