The Boeing Company
Computer implemented method and system for generating slope synchronized tool paths for incremental sheet forming

Abstract:

There is provided a computer implemented method for generating slope synchronized tool paths for incremental sheet forming (ISF) of a contoured part. The method includes performing a slope synchronized tool path application execution with a computer and a slope synchronized tool path application. The slope synchronized tool path application execution includes defining equally spaced apart Z values, along a Z-axis, that intersect a surface of the contoured part; determining, for the Z values, a slope factor, to define an array of Z values and corresponding slope factor values; and setting a current Z coordinate, and iteratively, calculating a stepdown; decrementing a current Z coordinate by the calculated stepdown; and determining an intersection of the surface with a horizontal plane at the current Z coordinate, to produce a contour tool path loop. The method includes sending an output file to a numerically controlled ISF machine, to incrementally form the contoured part.