ABSTRACT
Incremental sheet forming (ISF) has been established as a process that significantly increases material formability compared to conventional sheet metal–forming operations. In addition, the process also facilitates flexibility in the manufacturing of asymmetric complex and customized components. However, the process has several challenges in terms of the quality of parts produced by the process. During the last decade, intensive development and efforts to push the process toward applicability have been reported. To facilitate practicality and overcome limitations, it is necessary to thoroughly understand the complex-forming mechanism that material is subjected to during the forming process. Reviews done in the past mostly focus on the effect of various process and material parameters that influence the forming characteristics, that is, formability, geometrical accuracy, and surface quality in ISF. Recent studies have reported numerous strategies that improve the formability and quality of the parts produced by the ISF process. This work aims to highlight and systematically review the recent strategies related to numerical techniques, such as finite element analysis, computer-aided design, tool path development, experimental setup, and hybrid techniques that have been proved to increase the quality of the ISF-formed parts. The review also aims to explore advancements in forming techniques and conclusions on scientific progress. Furthermore, suggestions are presented for the future and expected developments.
