Shaping range and design logic

When you first learn about sheet metal forming, you're usually surprised by the way the material is processed to produce a part. Indeed, the number of forming steps may seem high compared to other processes such as plastic injection, casting or forging.

The reality is that these processes differ significantly from sheet metal forming in that the sheet must be worked very progressively and in a certain sequence of operations, to avoid any problems of breakage or shape defects that may arise. The shaping stages are identified by what is known as the range.

The success of the part and its control in production are highly dependent on the shaping range, which is translated on the tool by the various corresponding stations. The range can therefore be compared to a kind of project foundation, which should not be neglected.

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