Microforming stainless steel SS304: experimental and numerical integration

This research investigates the microforming behaviour of SS304 stainless steel, focusing on the influence of rolling direction. Known for its strength and ductility, SS304 is crucial for manu-facturing miniaturized components. Experimental analyses involve Nakajima testing on SS304 samples at 0°, 45° and 90° using a universal testing machine, with formability parameters meas-ured using a Sipcon CNC vision measurement system. Parallel numerical simulations with Simu-fact Forming software generate forming limit curves to predict critical deformation points. Com-parative analysis reveals consistent trends in microforming behaviour, highlighting the anisotropic properties of SS304 due to rolling direction. Key findings include critical strain values and micro-structural changes during forming, which are essential to optimize microforming processes. The integration of both approaches provides a comprehensive understanding of the formability limits and deformation mechanisms of SS304. This study highlights the significant potential for the advancement of microforming techniques in various industrial applications, particularly those requiring precise miniaturized components, and highlights the importance of combining experi-mental and numerical methods for a deep understanding of material behaviour.