Abstract

A reconfigurable stretch forming apparatus includes an array of pins adapted to be individually adjustable in height to define a reconfigurable forming surface, a pair of counter-rotating workpiece gripping devices being provided on opposite sides of the array of pins, each gripping device having an arcuate support surface for supporting a workpiece and a clamp member for clamping a work piece against the arcuate support surface, a driver being provided for rotating the counter-rotating gripping devices in opposing directions to stretch the work piece over the forming surface.

IPC Classes  ?

• B21D 25/02 - Working sheet metal of limited length by stretching, e.g. for straightening by pulling over a die
• B21D 37/02 - Die constructions enabling assembly of the die parts in different ways
• B21D 25/04 - Clamping arrangements