Influence of size effects and its key issues during microforming and its associated processes – A review

Abstract

Growth and advancement in modern technologies and requirement of miniaturized parts in various field of manufacturing has attracted several micro fabrication processes. Advancements in micro manufacturing has grown tremendously and development in micro metallic parts are very much welcomed due to the high demand of micro parts by manufacturing industries for their ability to withstand difficult working conditions. With the miniaturization of parts and process, the so-called size effects influence the micro manufacturing process. Different categories of size effects, their nature of involvement during downscaling and their effects are discussed in this article. Influence of size effects based on materials used, process conditions, downscaling and other parameters affecting the production of micro parts especially focusing on micro hydroforming process and micro deep drawing process are studied through literature and discussed in detail.

Keywords

• Microforming
• Micro hydroforming
• Micro deep drawing
• Size effects
• Grain size