FormPlanet · Sheet metal forming testing hub

FormPlanet addresses processability and part performance in the sheet metal manufacturing sector. The sector faces new challenges related to the manufacture of high performance parts with new high strength materials. Such high strength makes them processing sensitive, so forming parameters and sheet properties must be assessed to assure 0-deffect production and part quality. Forming problems in processing sensitive materials are associated with unexpected defects that cannot be predicted at the product design stage using traditional experimental or computational approaches.The aim of FormPlanet is to develop and demonstrate an integrated ecosystem offering novel testing methodologies to characterise sheet properties, predict part performance and prevent production loses to the sheet forming industries to tackle the upcoming challenges in formability of processing sensitive materials. New testing methodologies, and FE approaches to predict formability and part performance as well as monitoring and inspecting NDT will be developed and adapted to the sector needs. The potential of the novel approach will be proved by studying industrial demonstrators, selected to prove the solutions for relevant industrial problems for the all value chain, and to reduce cost and time-to market of materials and products. 9 industrial partners representing the sheet metalworking industry value chain will validate the approach.A solid, sustainable and simple organisational structure will be implemented for the future Test Bed service provision, based on experienced partners with strong business focus.The Test Bed FormPlanet time to market is estimated by the end of the project, when technical and business infrastructure and marketing strategy are implemented.Maximum impact will be ensured through well-balanced dissemination, standardarisation, communication, materials information management, stakeholders engagement and networking and by the exploitation of the Test Bed.