Application of laser stereolithography in FE sheet-metal forming simulation

This paper describes a new method developed by authors, by which the results of FE simulation in sheet-metal forming operations can be output as 3-dimensional substantial objects, where previously it could only be done with computer graphics. The system employed in this method is a kind of laser stereolithography system added with interface software to FE data. This method is being used to confirm the design of dies and to analyze successfully problems that may arise during the forming process.