Abstract: The principle of flexible blank-drawer forming(FBDF), a new type flexible forming method, is studied for the first time based on the existing stamping process and the flexible stretch-forming. The flexible blank-drawer forming principle and process are discussed, and the FE model of blank-drawer forming is set up; In order to validate the universal and feasibility of the flexible blank-drawer forming process, numerical simulations on multi-point forming of saddle parts and rigid-die forming of convex-boss panels on blank-holder forming process and blank-drawer forming process with finite element method are done and the effects of blank-holder and blank-drawer on stress, strain, wrinkles, cracks, sheet flow and springback are studied. The results show that sheet metal easily wrinkle and crack in the blank-holder forming; while under the same condition, the blank-drawer forming process can get the parts with even stress, strain distribution and small springback through suppress wrinking and craking.

Key words: Blank-holder, Flexible blank-drawer, Numerical simulation, Sheet metal forming