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Origami-based Sheet Metal (OSM)

Origami-based sheet metal (OSM) folding/bending is an extension of origami, meaning paper folding, onto metal sheets to fabricate three dimensional (3-D) structures from a flat sheet of metal by a sequence of die-less folding/bending operation.

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This project investigates the fundamental questions pertaining to the mechanics of fabricating sheet metal structures using origami sheet metal (OSM) folded technique. Is it feasible to fold/bend sheet metal with the aid of OSM? What mechanical aspects of constructing 3D sheet metal structure will be impacted if OSM technique is used? What are the parameters associated with OSM bending/folding? What are the generic rules to obey in designing OSM folding/bending process?

 

The outcome of the project will pave the foundation for the next phase of the project where the objective is to explore static/dynamic load-bearing capability of OSM folded/bent structure.

 

The preliminary results showed the feasibility of OSM. It also revealed a significant change in bending force, induced stress/strain along the bending line, the accuracy of bending. These changes are directly related to process and design parameters of OSM bending/folding such as kerf-to-thickness (k/t) ratio, sheet thickness (t), web-to-width (w/b) ratio, punch placement (g), offset distance (s), punch radius (Rp). These findings provide a basis for optimizing OSM bending/folding process.   

Publications 

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