Engineering Faculty, Department of Industrial Machines and Equipment, Metal Forrming Research Centre, Lucian Blaga University of Sibiu, Sibiu 550024, Romania
Prof. Dr. Radu-Eugen Breaz
Engineering Faculty, Department of Industrial Machines and Equipment, Metal Forrming Research Centre, Lucian Blaga University of Sibiu, Sibiu 550024, Romania
This research presents a series of analyses related to the eco-design of polymer matrix composite parts, addressing various aspects of it. The main objective was to clarify the definition of ecological design, the benefits of its implementation and its importance in all stages of obtaining a product (design, manufacturing, recycling). Global environmental issues are presented, emphasizing the importance of adopting sustainable approaches in product design and manufacturing. Special attention is paid to the analysis of waste recycling technologies for polymer matrix composite materials. The analysis carried out identifies specific ecological design principles applicable to these materials and presents recent trends in the field. Relevant case studies are highlighted, demonstrating the benefits of ecological design in order to obtain sustainable products. Additionally, the conducted research allowed for finding answers to the questions “what”, “why”, “when” and “how” it is necessary to apply the principles of eco-design in the case of composite materials with a polymer matrix. In general, the research promotes eco-design as an indispensable strategy for sustainable and responsible production, inspiring companies to adopt these principles for the benefit of the environment and their business performance.
This paper explores the development and application of the incremental forming process, an innovative method for manufacturing complex parts with high flexibility and low tooling costs. The review categorizes three key process variants: Single Point Incremental Forming (SPIF), Two Point Incremental Forming (TPIF), and Incremental Forming with Conjugated Active Plate (IFCAP). This study demonstrates the significant effects of these process variants on part accuracy and material behavior, particularly under varying process conditions. This study identifies critical technological parameters such as tool diameter, feed rate, and vertical step size. The findings also demonstrate the role of optimized toolpaths and lubrication in improving process efficiency. Applications of incremental forming across various industries, including automotive, aerospace, medical, and construction, demonstrate its versatility in prototype production and small-series manufacturing. These results contribute to a deeper understanding of incremental forming, offering practical recommendations to enhance precision, scalability, and material formability, and supporting future innovations and broader industrial applications.
Ti6Al4V titanium alloy is considered a biocompatible material, suitable to be used for manufacturing medical devices, particularly cranioplasty plates. Several methods for processing titanium alloys are reported in the literature, each one presenting both advantages and drawbacks. A decision-making method based upon AHP (analytic hierarchy process) was used in this paper for choosing the most recommended manufacturing process among some alternatives. The result of AHP indicated that single-point incremental forming (SPIF) at room temperature could be considered the best approach when manufacturing medical devices. However, Ti6Al4V titanium alloy is known as a low-plasticity material when subjected to plastic deformation at room temperature, so special measures had to be taken. The experimental results of processing parts from Ti6Al4V titanium alloy by means of SPIF and technological aspects are considered.